Palapsalta palaga

Palapsalta palaga is a species of cicada, also known as the northern river tree-buzzer, in the true cicada family, Cicadettinae subfamily and Cicadettini tribe. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 2016 by entomologists Christopher Owen and Maxwell Sydney Moulds.

Etymology

The specific epithet palaga refers to the yellow colouration of the cicadas.

Description

The length of the forewing is 18–24 mm.

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs from north of Alice Springs, in the Northern Territory, eastwards to Georgetown in north Queensland. The associated habitat is riverine eucalypt woodland.

Behaviour

Adult males may be heard from December to February, clinging to the upper branches of eucalypts, emitting fluttering songs in short bursts.