Palapsalta belli

Palapsalta belli
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Hemiptera
Suborder:	Auchenorrhyncha
Family:	Cicadidae
Genus:	Palapsalta
Species:	P. belli
Binomial name
	Palapsalta belli; Emery, Emery & Hutchinson 2018

Last updated October 24, 2025

Palapsalta belli is a species of cicada, also known as the Pilbara tree-buzzer, in the true cicada family, Cicadettinae subfamily and Cicadettini tribe. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 2018 by Australian entomologists David L. Emery, Nathan J. Emery and Paul M. Hutchinson.^[1]

Etymology

The specific epithet belli honours William Bell, who captured specimens at Exmouth.^[1]

Description

The length of the forewing is 17–22 mm.^[3]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in the Pilbara and Gascoyne regions of central Western Australia. The associated habitat is riverine eucalypt woodland.^[3]^[2]

Behaviour

Adult males may be heard from November to March, clinging to the upper branches of eucalypts, uttering songs characterised by sweeping notes followed by a sequence of chirps.^[3]

References

1 2 3 Emery, DL; Emery, NJ; Hutchinson, PM (2018). "Two new species of Palapsalta (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) from Western Australia and Northern Territory". Australian Entomologist. 45 (1): 57–74 [58]. Retrieved 2025-10-24.
1 2 "Species Palapsalta belli Emery, Emery & Hutchinson, 2018". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-24.
1 2 3 "Pilbara Tree-buzzer Palapsalta belli Emery, Emery and Hutchinson, 2018". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-24.

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[eeh2018-1] 1 2 3 Emery, DL; Emery, NJ; Hutchinson, PM (2018). "Two new species of Palapsalta (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) from Western Australia and Northern Territory". Australian Entomologist. 45 (1): 57–74 [58]. Retrieved 2025-10-24.

[afd-2] 1 2 "Species Palapsalta belli Emery, Emery & Hutchinson, 2018". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-24.

[popple-3] 1 2 3 "Pilbara Tree-buzzer Palapsalta belli Emery, Emery and Hutchinson, 2018". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-24.

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