Physeema quadricincta

Physeema quadricincta
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Hemiptera
Suborder:	Auchenorrhyncha
Family:	Cicadidae
Genus:	Physeema
Species:	P. quadricincta
Binomial name
Physeema quadricincta (Walker, 1850) [1] [2]
Synonyms
Cicada quadricinctaWalker, 1850 Cicada telxiopeWalker, 1850 Cicada duplexWalker, 1850 Cicadetta quadricincta(Walker, 1850) Melampsalta viridicinctaAshton, 1912

Physeema quadricincta is a species of cicada, also known as the tick-tock, in the true cicada family, Cicadettinae subfamily and Cicadettini tribe. The species is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1850 by English entomologist Francis Walker. ^{[1] [2]}

Description

The length of the forewing is 14–19 mm. ^[3]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in southern Western Australia from Kalbarri southwards to Augusta and Dongara, then eastwards to Cape Riche, with an isolated population at Kalgoorlie. Associated habitats include coastal dune vegetation, open heathland, gardens, roadsides and low grassy woodland. ^{[3] [2]}

Behaviour

Adult males may be heard from September to February, clinging to the stems of grasses and shrubs, emitting clicking calls. ^[3]

References

1. Walker, F (1850). List of the specimens of homopterous insects in the collection of the British Museum. Part 1. London: British Museum. pp. 1–260 [191].
2. "Species Physeema quadricincta (Walker, 1850)". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-03.
3. "Tick-tock Physeema quadricincta (Walker, 1850)". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-03.