Punia queenslandica

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Punia queenslandica
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
Family: Cicadidae
Genus: Punia
Species:
P. queenslandica
Binomial name
Punia queenslandica
Moulds, 2020 [1] [2]

Punia queenslandica is a species of cicada, also known as the eastern grass pygmy, in the true cicada family, Cicadettinae subfamily and Cicadettini tribe. The species is endemic to Australia. It was described in 2020 by Australian entomologist Maxwell Sydney Moulds. [1] [2]

Contents

Etymology

The specific epithet queenslandica refers to the state of Queensland, which encompasses the known range of the species. [1]

Description

The length of the forewing is 9–11 mm. [3]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in coastal and subcoastal areas of north-eastern Queensland, from the Iron Range southwards to Mount Storth, some 35 km south of Townsville. Associated habitats are open grassland and grassy woodland. [3] [2]

Behaviour

Adult males may be heard from November to March, clinging to grass stems, emitting low-pitched, stuttering, chirping calls. [3]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Moulds, MS (2020). "A revision of the Australian cicada genus Punia Moulds, 2012 (Cicadidae: Cicadettinae: Cicadettini) with the description of four new species". Zootaxa. 4860 (1): 101–115 [110]. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.4860.1.5 . Retrieved 2025-11-08.
  2. 1 2 3 "Species Punia queenslandica Moulds, 2020". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-08.
  3. 1 2 3 "Eastern Grass Pygmy Punia queenslandica Moulds, 2020". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-08.


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