Palapsalta virgulata

Palapsalta virgulata
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Hemiptera
Suborder:	Auchenorrhyncha
Family:	Cicadidae
Genus:	Palapsalta
Species:	P. virgulata
Binomial name
	Palapsalta virgulata; (Ewart, 1989)
Synonyms
	Pauropsalta virgulatusEwart, 1989;

Last updated October 24, 2025

Palapsalta virgulata is a species, or species complex, of cicadas, also known as striped tree-buzzers, in the true cicada family, Cicadettinae subfamily and Cicadettini tribe. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1989 by Australian entomologist Anthony Ewart.^[1]

Etymology

The specific epithet virgulata is derived from Latin virgulatus (striped), with reference to body patterning.^[1]

Description

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

Distribution and habitat

The species complex occurs in north-eastern Queensland, from Mount Carbine southwards to Mount Garnet and the Paluma Range, with other populations near Glenden and the Blackdown Tableland. Associated habitats include eucalypt woodland, open forest and eucalypts on the margins of rainforest.^[3]^[2]

Behaviour

Adult males may be heard from November to April, clinging to the trunks and upper branches of eucalypts, uttering chirping and buzzing calls.^[3]

References

1 2 3 Ewart, A (1989). "Revisionary notes on the genus Pauropsalta Goding and Froggatt (Homoptera: Cicadidae) with special reference to Queensland". Memoirs of the Queensland Museum. 27 (2): 289–375 [344]. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
1 2 "Species Palapsalta virgulata (Ewart, 1989)". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
1 2 3 "Striped Tree-buzzer (species complex) Palapsalta virgulata (Ewart, 1989)". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-22.

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[ewart1989-1] 1 2 3 Ewart, A (1989). "Revisionary notes on the genus Pauropsalta Goding and Froggatt (Homoptera: Cicadidae) with special reference to Queensland". Memoirs of the Queensland Museum. 27 (2): 289–375 [344]. Retrieved 2025-10-22.

[afd-2] 1 2 "Species Palapsalta virgulata (Ewart, 1989)". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-22.

[popple-3] 1 2 3 "Striped Tree-buzzer (species complex) Palapsalta virgulata (Ewart, 1989)". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-22.

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