Smoky Sage (species complex)
Psaltoda fumipennis Ashton, 1912
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Male
Species number (TNS):
100, 105.
Fore wing length:
38–46 mm.
Distribution and seasonality:
From south of Cooktown to the
southern end of Paluma Range
in Tropical northern
Queensland. Adults are present
from November to March.
Notable localities:
Mt Lewis, Julatten, Kuranda,
Malanda, Herberton Range.
Habitat:
Tropical rainforest, typically at
moderate to high elevations.
Species complex includes:
Southern Smoky Sage (TNS:
100): Occurs from Mt Haig
south to Paluma Range.
Northern Smoky Sage (TNS:
105): Known from south of
Cooktown south to Danbulla.
Calling song and behaviour:
The call is raw and metallic.
with a strong series of broken
phrases, emitted with a rattle-
like quality, followed by a
continuous longer phrase,
lasting a few seconds. The
longer phrase may be a
reverberating rattle (Southern
Smoky Sage) or a strong whine
(Northern Smoky Sage). Males
often sing in unison. Adults sit
on the upper branches of
rainforest trees.
Similar species:
None; a distinctive cicada.
Habitat
Northern Smoky Sage
Currently known extent
dr-pop.net database record:
Southern Smoky Sage
Southern Smoky Sage
Northern Smoky Sage
Male
