Chlorocysta suffusa

Chlorocysta suffusa
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Hemiptera
Suborder:	Auchenorrhyncha
Family:	Cicadidae
Genus:	Chlorocysta
Species:	C. suffusa
Binomial name
	Chlorocysta suffusa; (Distant, 1907)
Synonyms
	Mardalana suffusaDistant, 1907;

Last updated November 24, 2025

Chlorocysta suffusa is a species, or species complex, of cicadas, also known as marbled bottle cicadas, in the true cicada family, Cicadettinae subfamily and Chlorocystini tribe. The species is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1907 by English entomologist William Lucas Distant.^[1]^[2]

Etymology

The specific epithet suffusa (Latin: “blushing”) refers to the cicadas’ appearance.^[1]

Description

The length of the forewing is 25–32 mm.^[3]

Distribution and habitat

The species complex occurs in Wet Tropics of Queensland from Cooktown southwards to the Paluma Range, with isolated populations at Coen and Iron Range. Associated habitats include tropical rainforest, riparian forest and well-vegetated gardens.^[2]^[3]

Behaviour

The cicadas are xylem feeders. Adult males may be heard from November to April, clinging to the main trunks of rainforest trees, emitting drawn-out, whistling calls.^[3]

References

1 2 3 Distant, WL (1907). "Rhynchotal notes–XLIII". Annals and Magazine of Natural History. 7 (20): 411–423 [418–419].
1 2 3 "Species Chlorocysta suffusa (Distant, 1907)". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-23.
1 2 3 "Marbled Bottle Cicada (species complex) Chlorocysta suffusa (Distant, 1907)". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-23.

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[distant1907-1] 1 2 3 Distant, WL (1907). "Rhynchotal notes–XLIII". Annals and Magazine of Natural History. 7 (20): 411–423 [418–419].

[afd-2] 1 2 3 "Species Chlorocysta suffusa (Distant, 1907)". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-23.

[popple-3] 1 2 3 "Marbled Bottle Cicada (species complex) Chlorocysta suffusa (Distant, 1907)". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-23.

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