Illyria australensis

Illyria australensis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Hemiptera
Suborder:	Auchenorrhyncha
Family:	Cicadidae
Genus:	Illyria
Species:	I. australensis
Binomial name
Illyria australensis (Kirkaldy, 1909) [1] [2]
Synonyms
Tettigia australensisKirkaldy, 1909

Illyria australensis, also known as the semi-arid rattler, is a species of cicada in the true cicada family. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1909 by English entomologist George Willis Kirkaldy. ^{[1] [2]}

Description

The forewing length is 20–23 mm. ^[3]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs from coastal north-western Western Australia, between Cygnet Bay and Port Hedland, eastwards to Daly Waters in the Northern Territory. The habitat is low open woodland. ^{[2] [3]}

Behaviour

Adults have been heard from December to February, clinging to the branches and trunks of small trees, uttering metallic, buzzing calls. ^[3]

References

1. Kirkaldy, GW (1909). "Hemiptera, old and new, No. 2". The Canadian Entomologist. 41 (11): 388–392 [391].
2. "Species Illyria australensis (Kirkaldy, 1909)". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-08-29.
3. L.W. Popple (2025). "Semi-arid Rattler Illyria australensis (Kirkaldy, 1910)". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. Retrieved 2025-08-29.