Palapsalta serpens
| Palapsalta serpens | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Clade: | Pancrustacea |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hemiptera |
| Suborder: | Auchenorrhyncha |
| Family: | Cicadidae |
| Genus: | Palapsalta |
| Species: | P. serpens |
| Binomial name | |
| Palapsalta serpens | |
Palapsalta serpens is a species of cicada, also known as the pale-sided tree-buzzer, 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
[edit]The specific epithet serpens (Latin: ‘snake’) refers to the resemblance of the sclerotised projection, at the end of the male endotheca, to a snake’s forked tongue.[1]
Description
[edit]The length of the forewing is 16–18 mm.[3]
Distribution and habitat
[edit]The species occurs in the Top End of the Northern Territory, including Kakadu National Park. The associated habitat is eucalypt woodland.[3][2]
Behaviour
[edit]Adult males may be heard in January and February, clinging to the upper branches of eucalypts, emitting stuttering and buzzing songs.[3]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 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 [184]. Retrieved 2025-10-24.
- 1 2 "Species Palapsalta serpens Owen & Moulds, 2016". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-24.
- 1 2 3 "Pale-sided Tree-buzzer Palapsalta serpens Owen & Moulds, 2016". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-24.
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