Xeropsalta festiva

Xeropsalta festiva is a species of cicada, also known as the bee gleeper, in the true cicada family, Cicadettinae subfamily and Cicadettini tribe. The species is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1907 by English entomologist William Lucas Distant.

Description

The length of the forewing is 13–15 mm.

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in south-eastern inland Australia from Hillston in New South Wales south-west to Nhill in Victoria. Associated habitats include open grassland and grassy woodland.

Behaviour

Adult males may be heard from October to January, clinging to the stems of grasses, emitting monotonously repeated “gleep” calls.