Rattler (species complex)
Illyria burkei (Distant, 1882)
© Popple Creative Industries 2014–2025
Male
Female
Species number (TNS):
038, 044.
Fore wing length:
24–36 mm.
Distribution and seasonality:
From the Kimberley region of
Western Australia east through
the northern third of the Northern
Territory and islands to
Queensland where it occurs
throughout the tropics and south
as far as Gayndah and Moonie.
Adults are present from
November to January.
Notable localities:
Pine Creek, Mareeba,
Barcaldine, Emerald, Miles,
Binjour.
Habitat:
Eucalypt woodland and acacia
scrubland.
Species complex includes:
Eastern Rattler (TNS: 038):
Sub-humid and semi-arid
Queensland.
Monsoon Rattler (TNS: 044):
Across northern Australia.
Calling song and behaviour:
A coarse, loud and very
persistent rattle, produced
monotonously (Eastern Rattler)
or interspersed with regular
buzzing phrases (Monsoon
Rattler). When in large numbers,
adults cover the trees and
aggregate closely throughout the
vegetation, with most sitting on
the main trunks and branches.
Similar species:
Buzzing Rattler, Desert Rattler,
Kimberley Rattler.
Habitat
Kimberley Rattler
Currently known extent
dr-pop.net database record:
Rattler
