Simona sancta

Simona sancta
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Hemiptera
Suborder:	Auchenorrhyncha
Family:	Cicadidae
Genus:	Simona
Species:	S. sancta
Binomial name
Simona sancta (Distant, 1913) [1] [2]
Synonyms
Melampsalta sanctaDistant, 1913 Melampsalta subglusaAshton, 1914 Cicadetta sancta(Distant, 1913)

Simona sancta is a species of cicada, also known as the western eremophila cicada, in the true cicada family, Cicadettinae subfamily and Cicadettini tribe. The species is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1913 by English entomologist William Lucas Distant. ^{[1] [2]}

Description

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

Distribution and habitat

The species is only known from the vicinity of Cue in the Mid West region of Western Australia. The associated habitat is open, low shrubland. ^{[3] [2]}

Behaviour

Adult males may be heard in February, clinging to the stems of shrubs, emitting chirping and buzzing calls terminating in a sharp click. ^[3]

References

1. Distant, WL (1913). "Undescribed species of Cicadidae". Annals and Magazine of Natural History. 8 (12): 485–491 [490].
2. "Species Simona sancta (Distant, 1913)". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-10.
3. "Western Eremophila Cicada Simona sancta (Distant, 1913)". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-10.