Illyria burkei


Illyria burkei, also known as the monsoon rattler or eastern rattler, is a species or species complex of cicadas in the true cicada family. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1882 by English entomologist William Lucas Distant.

Description

The forewing length is 24–36 mm.

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs across northern Australia from the Kimberley region of north-western Western Australia, through the Top End of the Northern Territory, eastwards to northern and eastern Queensland. The habitat includes open eucalypt woodland and Acacia shrubland.

Behaviour

Adults may be heard from November to January, clinging to branches and trunks, on which they may aggregate in large numbers, uttering persistent, coarse, loud, rattling and buzzing calls.