Hibiscus Cicada
Taurella forresti (Distant, 1882)
© Popple Creative Industries 2014–2024
Male
Female
Previously referred to as Cicadetta
forresti.
Species number (TNS):
449.
Fore wing length:
15–22 mm.
Distribution and seasonality:
Coastally and subcoastally from
Cooktown in north Queensland south to
Taree in New South Wales. Adults occur
from September to April.
Notable localities:
Cairns, Finch Hatton, St Lucia.
Habitat:
Tropical and subtropical rainforest,
riparian vegetation and gardens,
particularly in association with hibiscus,
including Hibiscus tiliaceus and H.
heterophyllus.
Calling song and behaviour:
A series of short, high-pitched hiss-like
"ziits" followed by a longer, continuous
hiss. Singing can occur throughout the
day, especially under cloud cover and
during early morning, at late afternoon
and at dusk in sunny weather.
Similar species:
None; a distinctive species.
dr-pop.net database record
Currently known extent
