Arenopsaltria nubivena

Arenopsaltria nubivena, also known as the eastern sandgrinder, is a species of cicada in the true cicada family. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1858 by English entomologist Francis Walker.

Description

The species has a forewing length of 21–28 mm.

Distribution and habitat

The species is found across a wide swathe of southern inland Australia, having been recorded from all mainland states and the Northern Territory. It occurs in arid shrubland and mallee habitats on sandy soils.

Behaviour

Adults may be heard from December to March, clinging to the branches of low vegetation, including the trunks of mallee eucalypts, uttering continuous, coarse, grating calls.