Xeropsalta aridula

Xeropsalta aridula
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Hemiptera
Suborder:	Auchenorrhyncha
Family:	Cicadidae
Genus:	Xeropsalta
Species:	X. aridula
Binomial name
Xeropsalta aridula Ewart, 2018 [1] [2]

Xeropsalta aridula is a species of cicada, also known as the Simpson Desert grass-shaker, in the true cicada family, Cicadettinae subfamily and Cicadettini tribe. The species is endemic to Australia. It was described in 2018 by Australian entomologist Anthony Ewart. ^{[1] [2]}

Description

The length of the forewing is 10–13 mm. ^[3]

Distribution and habitat

The species is only known from western Queensland, at the eastern edge of the Simpson Desert. The associated habitat is open grassland. ^{[3] [2]}

Behaviour

Adult males may be heard in February, clinging to the stems of grasses, emitting low-pitched, maraca-like calls. ^[3]

References

1. Ewart, A (2018). "Two new genera and five new species of Mugadina-like small grass cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Cicadettini) from Central and Eastern Australia: comparative morphology, songs, behaviour and distributions". Zootaxa. 4413 (1): 1–56 [34].
2. "Species Xeropsalta aridula Ewart, 2018". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-13.
3. "Simpson Desert Grass-shaker Xeropsalta aridula Ewart, 2018". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-13.