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Species number (TNS): 017, 018. Fore wing length: 45–60 mm. Distribution and seasonality: From Gladstone in central Queensland, south along the coast and adjacent ranges to Narooma in southern New South Wales. An isolated population also occurs in the Cathu State Forest north of Mackay. Adults occur from late November to March, or occasionally to May. Notable localities: Ceratodus, Redwood Park (Toowoomba), Mt Nebo, Mt Tamborine, Dorrigo, Wauchope, Royal National Park. Habitat: Dry and wet sclerophyll forest, riparian forest and rainforest. Species complex includes: Razor Grinder (TNS:018): From north of Mackay south to Narooma in southern New South Wales. Laughing Razor Grinder (TNS: 017): Distributed patchily in moister forest, including rainforest, from the Gold Coast Hinterland south to the Greater Sydney region. Calling song and behaviour: A very loud, metallic and shivery series of pulses that increases in volume and culminates into a continuous roar, which then brakes up and dies away somewhat abruptly (Razor Grinder); or a rapidly-emitted cacophony of well-defined phrases (Laughing Razor Grinder). Local groups of males sing at the same time. Singing becomes most vigorous at dusk, when waves of song are emitted constantly from different parts of the forest. Populations tend to feed silently for much of the afternoon. Adults can occur in local aggregations. The main trunks of various Myrtaceae are preferred perching sites. Similar species: Jungle Grinder.

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