Pauropsalta kriki

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Pauropsalta kriki
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
Family: Cicadidae
Genus: Pauropsalta
Species:
P. kriki
Binomial name
Pauropsalta kriki
Owen & Moulds, 2016 [1] [2]

Pauropsalta kriki is a species of cicada, also known as the river galloper, in the true cicada family, Cicadettinae subfamily and Cicadettini tribe. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 2016 by entomologists Christopher Owen and Maxwell Sydney Moulds. [1]

Contents

Etymology

The specific epithet kriki, from Greek kriko (‘along a watercourse’), refers to the cicadas' favoured habitat. [1]

Description

The length of the forewing is 18–24 mm. [3]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs the Top End of the Northern Territory from Darwin southwards to Mataranka and eastwards to Kakadu National Park. The associated habitat is eucalypt woodland and riparian shrubland. [3] [2]

Behaviour

Adult males may be heard from October to February, emitting repetitive, ratchet-like calls, similar to the sound of a galloping horse. [3]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Owen, CL; Moulds, MS (2016). "Systematics and phylogeny of the Australian cicada genus Pauropsalta Goding and Froggatt, 1904 and allied genera (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Cicadettini)" (PDF). Records of the Australian Museum. 68 (4): 117–200 [159]. doi:10.3853/j.2201-4349.68.2016.1598 . Retrieved 2025-10-24.
  2. 1 2 "Species Pauropsalta kriki Owen & Moulds, 2016". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-26.
  3. 1 2 3 "River Galloper Pauropsalta kriki Owen and Moulds, 2016". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-26.