Tryella occidens

Tryella occidens is a species of cicada, also known as the dusty brown bullet, in the true cicada family, Cicadettinae subfamily and Lamotialnini tribe. The species is endemic to Australia. It was described in 2003 by Australian entomologist Maxwell Sydney Moulds.

Etymology

The specific epithet occidens, Latin for “towards the setting sun” or “west”, refers to the extreme western distribution of the species in Australia.

Description

The length of the forewing is 25–30 mm. Body length is 19–24 mm.

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in coastal and inland areas of north-west Western Australia, from Carnarvon, [Western Australia|Carnarvon] northwards to Port [Hedland, Western Australia|Port Hedland]. The associated habitat is open woodland and shrubland.

Behaviour

The cicadas are xylem feeders. Adult males may be heard from January to May, clinging to the stems and branches of trees and shrubs, emitting clean hissing calls.