Palapsalta ligneocauda

Palapsalta ligneocauda
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
Family: Cicadidae
Genus: Palapsalta
Species:
P. ligneocauda
Binomial name
Palapsalta ligneocauda
Emery, Emery & Hutchinson 2018[1][2]

Palapsalta ligneocauda is a species of cicada, also known as the lime tree-buzzer, in the true cicada family, Cicadettinae subfamily and Cicadettini tribe. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 2018 by Australian entomologists David L. Emery, Nathan J. Emery and Paul M. Hutchinson.[1]

Etymology

The specific epithet ligneocauda refers to the wood-brown colouration of parts of the species’ anatomy.[1]

Description

The length of the forewing is 13–17 mm.[3]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs from the Kimberley region of northern Western Australia eastwards to Cape Crawford in the Northern Territory. The associated habitat is riverine eucalypt woodland.[3][2]

Behaviour

Adult males may be heard from November to March, clinging to the upper branches of eucalypts, uttering songs characterised by short buzzing notes followed by a lilting sequence.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b c Emery, DL; Emery, NJ; Hutchinson, PM (2018). "Two new species of Palapsalta (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) from Western Australia and Northern Territory". Australian Entomologist. 45 (1): 57–74 [65]. Retrieved 2025-10-24.
  2. ^ a b "Species Palapsalta ligneocauda Emery, Emery & Hutchinson, 2018". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-24.
  3. ^ a b c "Lime Tree-buzzer Palapsalta ligneocauda Emery, Emery and Hutchinson, 2018". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-24.