Lesser Bladder Cicada (species complex)
Cystosoma schmeltzi Distant, 1892
© Popple Creative Industries 2014–2020
Male
Species number (TNS):
594, 595.
Fore wing length:
26–36 mm.
Distribution and seasonality:
Patchy around Mossman, near
Mt. Garnet and from Townsville
coastally south to Rockhampton
west to Blackall and further
south to Stanthorpe in
Queensland and Gunnedah in
New South Wales. A record from
King Canyon in the Northern
Territory requires investigation.
Adults occur from September to
March.
Notable localities:
Kings Canyon (D. Rentz),
Springsure, Mitchell, Chinchilla,
Mundubbera, Millmerran, Crows
Nest, Narrabri.
Habitat:
Dry sclerophyll forest and
woodland. Also small trees and
shrubs around rural towns.
Species complex includes:
Small Bladder Cicada (TNS:
594): From near Mossman
south to Gunnedah.
Chanting Bladder Cicada
(TNS: 595): From Expedition
Range and south of Moura
south-east to Mundubbera.
Calling song and behaviour:
A broken rattle, similar to the
call of a Bladder Cicada, but
emitted at a higher pitch (Small
Bladder Cicada) or a regular
chanting call, with males singing
in unison (Chanting Bladder
Cicada). Singing occurs only at
dusk.
Similar species:
Bladder Cicada, False Bladder
Cicada, Rare Bladder Cicada.
Small Bladder Cicada
Chanting Bladder Cicada
Female
Male
Chanting Bladder Cicada
Currently known extent
dr-pop.net database record:
Small Bladder Cicada
Female
