Pauropsalta adelphe

Pauropsalta adelphe
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
Family: Cicadidae
Genus: Pauropsalta
Species:
P. adelphe
Binomial name
Pauropsalta adelphe
Owen & Moulds, 2016[1][2]

Pauropsalta adelphe is a species of cicada, also known as the Top End frog squawker, in the true cicada family, Cicadettinae subfamily and Cicadettini tribe. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 2016 by entomologists Christopher Owen and Maxwell Sydney Moulds.[1]

Etymology

The specific epithet adelphe (Greek: ‘sister’) refers to the close relationship between this species and Pauropsalta agasta.[1]

Description

The length of the forewing is 29–32 mm.[3]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in the Top End of the Northern Territory. The associated habitat is eucalypt woodland.[3][2]

Behaviour

Adult males may be heard from October to January, clinging to the trunks of eucalypts, emitting deep, frog-like, croaking songs.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b c Owen, CL; Moulds, MS (2016). "Systematics and phylogeny of the Australian cicada genus Pauropsalta Goding and Froggatt, 1904 and allied genera (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Cicadettini)" (PDF). Records of the Australian Museum. 68 (4): 117–200 [134]. Retrieved 2025-10-24.
  2. ^ a b "Species Pauropsalta adelphe Owen & Moulds, 2016". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  3. ^ a b c "Top End Frog Squawker Pauropsalta adelphe Owen and Moulds, 2016". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-25.