Physeema bellatrix

Physeema bellatrix
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Hemiptera
Suborder:	Auchenorrhyncha
Family:	Cicadidae
Genus:	Physeema
Species:	P. bellatrix
Binomial name
Physeema bellatrix (Ashton, 1914) [1] [2]
Synonyms
Pauropsalta bellatrixAshton, 1914

Physeema bellatrix is a species of cicada, also known as the Esperance ticker, in the true cicada family, Cicadettinae subfamily and Cicadettini tribe. The species is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1914 by Australian entomologist Julian Howard Ashton. ^{[1] [2]}

Description

The length of the forewing is 15–17 mm. ^[3]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in southern Western Australia from Warren River eastwards to Esperance. The associated habitat is heath on sandplains. ^{[3] [2]}

Behaviour

Adult males may be heard from October to February, clinging to the stems of shrubs, emitting soft, slow, clicking calls. ^[3]

References

1. Ashton, H (1914). "Catalogue of the Cicadidae of the South Australian Museum with descriptions of several new species". Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of South Australia. 38: 345–358 [355].
2. "Species Physeema bellatrix (Ashton, 1914)". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-02.
3. "Esperance Ticker Physeema bellatrix (Ashton, 1914)". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-02.