Pauropsalta walkeri

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Pauropsalta walkeri
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
Family: Cicadidae
Genus: Pauropsalta
Species:
P. sinavilla
Binomial name
Pauropsalta sinavilla
Moulds & Owen, 2011 [1] [2]

Pauropsalta walkeri is a species of cicada, also known as the Normanton squawker, in the true cicada family, Cicadettinae subfamily and Cicadettini tribe. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 2011 by entomologists Maxwell Sydney Moulds and Christopher Owen. [1]

Contents

Etymology

The specific epithet walkeri honours Frederick Walker (1820–1866), an early pioneer and explorer of the area where the cicadas are found, as well as referring to the type locality of Walkers Creek. [1]

Description

The length of the forewing is 20–26 mm. [3]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs from near Top Springs in the Northern Territory, eastwards into north-west Queensland along the Gulf of Carpentaria, to Normanton and Kynuna. The holotype specimen was collected at Walkers Creek, some 35 km north-north-east of Normanton. The associated habitat is eucalypt woodland, especially along watercourses. [3] [2]

Behaviour

Adult males may be heard from December to February, clinging to the trunks and upper branches of eucalypts, emitting clicking and chirping calls. [3]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Moulds, MS; Owen, CL (2011). "Pauropsalta walkeri, a new species of cicada (Homoptera: Cicadidae: Cicadinae) from northern Australia". Australian Entomologist. 38 (4): 145–154 [146]. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  2. 1 2 "Species Pauropsalta walkeri Moulds & Owen, 2011". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  3. 1 2 3 "Normanton Squawker Pauropsalta walkeri Moulds and Owen, 2011". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-28.