Black Firetail
Yoyetta denisoni Distant, 1893)
© Popple Creative Industries 2014–2024
Male
Previously referred to as
Cicadetta denisoni.
Species number (TNS):
510.
Fore wing length:
28–35 mm.
Distribution and seasonality:
From the Gibraltar Range in
northern New South Wales
south along the ranges and
coast (south from Sydney)
through the Australian Capital
Territory to the Southern
Highlands and South Coast of
New South Wales. There is
also an isolated record from
Kevington in Victoria (S. & T.
Corbin) and it is likely under-
recorded in Victoria. It is an
uncommon species in Sydney.
Adults occur from late
November to January.
Notable localities:
Blue Mountains National Park,
Canberra, Thredbo.
Habitat:
Temperate eucalypt forest and
subalpine woodland.
Calling song and behaviour:
A rapidly-emitted series of
short phrases “zot-zot-zot-zot-
zot” produced in flight.
Females can occasionally be
found sitting quietly on
eucalypts and other
vegetation. At times it is a
moderately common species,
but the males are difficult to
observe due to their active
nature.
Colour variation:
Females occur in two colour
forms: (1) black with red fore
wing basal membranes (as per
male), and (2) brown with pink
fore wing basal membranes.
Similar species:
Brown Firetail, Victorian
Firetail.
dr-pop.net database record
Currently known extent
Habitat
Female (brown form)
