Clinopsalta semilunata

Clinopsalta semilunata
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Hemiptera
Suborder:	Auchenorrhyncha
Family:	Cicadidae
Genus:	Clinopsalta
Species:	C. semilunata
Binomial name
	Clinopsalta semilunata; Popple & Emery, 2017

Last updated February 05, 2026

Clinopsalta semilunata is a species of cicada, also known as the semilunata cicada, in the true cicada family, Cicadettinae subfamily and Cicadettini tribe. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 2017 by Australian entomologists Lindsay Popple and David L. Emery.^[1]

Etymology

The species epithet semilunata comes from Latin semi- (half) and lunatus (moon), with reference to the bright semilunate markings on the mesonotum, and also alludes to the association of the species with the plant Acacia semilunata .^[1]

Description

The length of the forewing is 21–24 mm.^[2]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in inland south-eastern Queensland. The associated habitat is open forest with a middle storey of wattles.^[2]

Behaviour

Adults may be heard from early September to December, clinging to the inner stems of wattles, uttering calls characterised by a series of "zit"s, intermittently punctuated by a soft rattle.^[2]

References

1 2 3 Popple, LW; Emery, DL (2017). "Two new species of Clinopsalta Moulds (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) and additional distribution records for Clinopsalta adelaida (Ashton), with notes on their distinctive calling songs". Records of the Australian Museum. 69 (4): 237–256 [243]. Retrieved 2025-09-28.
1 2 3 "Semilunata Cicada Clinopsalta semilunata Popple and Emery, 2017". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-09-28.

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[p&e2017-1] 1 2 3 Popple, LW; Emery, DL (2017). "Two new species of Clinopsalta Moulds (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) and additional distribution records for Clinopsalta adelaida (Ashton), with notes on their distinctive calling songs". Records of the Australian Museum. 69 (4): 237–256 [243]. Retrieved 2025-09-28.

[popple-2] 1 2 3 "Semilunata Cicada Clinopsalta semilunata Popple and Emery, 2017". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-09-28.

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