Pauropsalta opaca
| Pauropsalta opaca | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Clade: | Pancrustacea |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hemiptera |
| Suborder: | Auchenorrhyncha |
| Family: | Cicadidae |
| Genus: | Pauropsalta |
| Species: | P. opaca |
| Binomial name | |
| Pauropsalta opaca | |
Pauropsalta opaca is a species of cicada, also known as the fairy dust squawker, in the true cicada family, Cicadettinae subfamily and Cicadettini tribe. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1989 by Australian entomologist Anthony Ewart.[1][2]
Etymology
[edit]The specific epithet opaca (Latin: ‘shady’ or ‘dim’) refers to the dull appearance of the cicadas.[1]
Description
[edit]Distribution and habitat
[edit]The species occurs in the dryer parts of the Wet Tropics of Queensland, from Mount Carbine southwards to Undara, with an isolated record from the Paluma Range. The associated habitat is eucalypt woodland.[3][2]
Behaviour
[edit]Adult males may be heard from October to March, clinging to the trunks and upper branches of eucalypts, emitting complex buzzing and chirping calls.[3]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 Ewart, A (1989). "Revisionary notes on the genus Pauropsalta Goding and Froggatt (Homoptera: Cicadidae) with special reference to Queensland". Memoirs of the Queensland Museum. 27 (2): 289–375 [306].
- 1 2 3 "Species Pauropsalta opaca Ewart, 1989". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-30.
- 1 2 3 "Fairy Dust Squawker Pauropsalta opaca Ewart, 1989". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-30.
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