Taurella viridis

Taurella viridis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Hemiptera
Suborder:	Auchenorrhyncha
Family:	Cicadidae
Genus:	Taurella
Species:	T. viridis
Binomial name
Taurella viridis (Ashton, 1912) [1] [2]
Synonyms
Melampsalta viridisAshton, 1912 Cicadetta viridis(Ashton, 1912)

Taurella viridis is a species of cicada, also known as the emerald fairy, in the true cicada family, Cicadettinae subfamily and Cicadettini tribe. The species is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1912 by Australian entomologist Julian Howard Ashton. ^{[1] [2]}

Description

The length of the forewing is 15–20 mm. ^[3]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs across much of northern Australia. Associated habitats include grassy and riparian woodlands with thickets of shrubs, especially Grewia retusifolia . ^{[3] [2]}

Behaviour

Adult males may be heard from November to February, clinging to the stems of small shrubs and grasses, emitting high-pitched buzzing and pulsing calls. ^[3]

References

1. Ashton, H (1912). "Some new Australian Cicadidae". Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria. New Series. 24: 221–229 [226].
2. "Species Taurella viridis (Ashton, 1912)". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-11.
3. "Emerald Fairy Taurella viridis (Ashton, 1912)". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-11.