Xeropsalta rattrayi

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Xeropsalta rattrayi
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
Family: Cicadidae
Genus: Xeropsalta
Species:
X. rattrayi
Binomial name
Xeropsalta rattrayi
Ewart, 2018 [1] [2]

Xeropsalta rattrayi is a species of cicada, also known as the green 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]

Contents

Description

The length of the forewing is 13–15 mm. [3]

Distribution and habitat

The species is only known from the vicinity of Adavale and Barcaldine in Central West Queensland. The associated habitat is open grassland near water. [3] [2]

Behaviour

Adult males may be heard in January, clinging to the stems of grasses, emitting strident calls with a terminal “twang”. [3]

References

  1. 1 2 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 [39].
  2. 1 2 3 "Species Xeropsalta rattrayi Ewart, 2018". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-13.
  3. 1 2 3 "Green Grass-shaker Xeropsalta rattrayi Ewart, 2018". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-13.


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