Taurella forresti
| Taurella forresti | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hemiptera |
| Suborder: | Auchenorrhyncha |
| Family: | Cicadidae |
| Genus: | Taurella |
| Species: | T. forresti |
| Binomial name | |
| Taurella forresti | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Taurella forresti is a species of cicada, also known as the hibiscus cicada, in the true cicadafamily, Cicadettinae subfamily and Cicadettini tribe. The species is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1882 by English entomologistWilliam Lucas Distant.[1][2]
Description
The length of the forewing is 15–22 mm.[3]
Distribution and habitat
The species occurs in eastern Australia, coastally and sub-coastally, from Cooktown in Far North Queensland southwards to Taree in New South Wales. The associated habitats include tropical and subtropical rainforest, riparian vegetation and gardens, especially with hibiscus species such as Hibiscus tiliaceus and Hibiscus heterophyllus.[3][2]
Behaviour
Adult males may be heard from September to April, clinging to the stems of shrubs, emitting calls characterised by short, high-pitched "ziits" followed by a longer, continuous hiss.[3]
References
- ^ abDistant, WL (1882). "On some undescribed Cicadidae from Australia and the Pacific region". Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London. 1882: 125–134 [129].
- ^ abc"Species Taurella forresti (Distant, 1882)". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-10.
- ^ abc"Hibiscus Cicada Taurella forresti (Distant, 1882)". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-10.
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