Illyria major

Illyria major
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Hemiptera
Suborder:	Auchenorrhyncha
Family:	Cicadidae
Genus:	Illyria
Species:	I. major
Binomial name
Illyria major Moulds, 1985 [1] [2]

Illyria major, also known as the desert rattler, is a species of cicada in the true cicada family. It is endemic to Australia. ^{[1] [2] [3]}

Description

The forewing length is 31–37 mm. ^[3]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in arid regions of northern Western Australia from Shark Bay, eastwards through the central Northern Territory to Mount Isa in north-western Queensland. The habitat includes open Acacia shrubland. ^{[2] [3]}

Behaviour

Adults cling to the stems of shrubs and small trees, uttering loud, penetrating, rattling calls. ^[3]

References

1. Moulds, MS (1985). "Illyria, a new genus for Australian cicadas currently placed in Cicada L. (=Tettigia Amyot) (Homoptera: Cicadidae)". General and Applied Entomology. 17: 25–35 [28, 30].
2. "Species Illyria major Moulds, 1985". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-08-30.
3. L.W. Popple (2025). "Desert Rattler Illyria major Moulds, 1985". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. Retrieved 2025-08-30.