Red Scratcher
Popplepsalta rubristrigata (Goding and Froggatt, 1904)
© Popple Creative Industries 2014–2025
Male
Female
Other name(s):
Brown Scratcher, Great Montane
Squeaker.
Species number (TNS):
397.
Fore wing length:
26–28 mm.
Distribution and seasonality:
A largely cool temperate distribution
from Bocoble near Mudgee in New
South Wales south along the Great
Dividing Range into much of Victoria
and west to Adelaide and Kangaroo
Island in South Australia. A possible
record from Mt Kaputar in northern
New South Wales requires
confirmation. Adults are known to
occur from November to February.
Notable localities:
Melbourne (particularly in the north),
Nimmitabel (New South Wales),
Mount Lofty (South Australia).
Habitat:
Populations occur in open eucalypt
forest on ridges slopes and flats,
often near watercourses.
Calling song and behaviour:
A strong, low frequency series of
rapid phrases that slow down before
the song burst ends. Males may call
throughout the day as long as the
temperature is warm enough. On hot
days, singing occurs in the morning
and again in the late afternoon. It is a
locally common species that prefers
the larger branches and stems in the
outer foliage of eucalypts.
Similar species:
Blue-banded Scratcher.
dr-pop.net database record
Currently known extent
Habitat
?