Kimberpsaltria

Kimberpsaltria is a monotypic genus of cicadas in the family Cicadidae and tribe Kimberpsaltriini, that is endemic to Australia. It was described in 2021 by Australian entomologists Maxwell Sydney Moulds, David Marshall and Lindsay Popple.

Species

There is a single species in the genus:
Kimberpsaltria taenia is also known as the Kimberley rattle-stripe.

Etymology

The generic name Kimberpsaltria is a combination derived from the Kimberley region where the genus is found, and psaltria. The specific epithet taenia refers to the distinctive dorsal body stripe and striped abdomen of live specimens.

Description

The length of the forewing is 29–33 mm.

Distribution and habitat

The species is found in the Kimberley region of north-west Western Australia, from the Gibb River Road at the junction of Durack River and Bamboo Creek north-west to the Mitchell Plateau. It inhabits tropical eucalypt woodland.

Behaviour

Adults have been recorded in October and November, clinging to the trunks and branches of the eucalypt trees, uttering alternating, cricket-like, grinding calls.