Sprinkler Squeaker Popplepsalta annulata Goding and Froggatt, 1904
© Popple Creative Industries 2014–2024
Male
Female
Species number (TNS): 432. Fore wing length: 15–18 mm. Distribution and seasonality: From near Shute Harbour, Eungella Plateau, the Boomer Range, Blackdown Tableland and Mt Moffatt in central Queensland, then south from Rockhampton to at least Southport, including Biggenden, Gayndah, Gunalda Range, Mt. Mee, Crows Nest, Toowoomba, Pittsworth, Mt Cordeaux, Beaudesert, Maroon Dam and Boonah. It is a common species in north-east, south-east and south-west Brisbane with records also from Mount Crosby and Enoggera Reservoir in the north-west. There are three records from New South Wales: from near Swan Vale (K. Warner), the Kyogle district and north of Iluka. Adults occur from September to March (or sometimes even to as late as May). Notable localities: Bundaberg, Eidsvold, Laidley, Cleveland, Coolangatta. Habitat: This species inhabits patches of dry sclerophyll forest, particularly where Eucalyptus tereticornis and E.crebra are both present. It also occurs in heathland and occasionally in tall open forest. She-oaks such as Casuarina glauca and Allocasuarina littoralis are inhabited in some lowland areas. It will also occur in parklands and gardens where it can be found on most trees and tall shrubs. Calling song and behaviour: The male calling song has two main components. The first consists of an alternating long (~2 millisecs) chirp followed by a short (~<1 millisecs) chirp; this is constantly repeated and makes up the "lilting" component of the song. The short chirp is barely discernable by the human auditory system. The second component is made up of a ~1 millisec phrase constantly repeated at 2 phrase intervals; this is known as the buzzing or "rattling" component of the song. The two components interchange often in the calling song, creating a sound almost exactly reminiscent of a small sprinkler system. Males call from the outer foliage of trees and shrubs. Similar species: Southern Red-eyed Squeaker, Inland Red- eyed Squeaker, Maraca Squeaker, Retro Squeaker, Mimic Squeaker, Subtropical Red- eyed Squeaker, Dawson Range Squeaker.
dr-pop.net database record
Currently known extent
Habitat