Myopsalta crucifera

Myopsalta crucifera is a species of cicada, also known as the brown buzzer, in the true cicada family, Cicadettinae subfamily and Cicadettini tribe. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1912 by Australian entomologist Julian Howard Ashton.^[1]

Myopsalta crucifera
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Hemiptera
Suborder:	Auchenorrhyncha
Family:	Cicadidae
Genus:	Myopsalta
Species:	M. crucifera
Binomial name
Myopsalta crucifera (Ashton, 1912)[1][2]
Synonyms
Melampsalta crucifera Ashton, 1912 Cicadetta crucifera (Ashton, 1912)

Description

The length of the forewing is 16–18 mm.^[3]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in eastern Australia, east of the Great Dividing Range, from tropical Laura in Far North Queensland southwards to subtropical Kyogle in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. Associated habitats include open grassland and the margins of grassy forests and woodlands.^[3][2]

Behaviour

Adult males may be heard from late September to April, uttering repetitive buzzing calls during bright sunshine. The species is considered to be a sugarcane pest.^[3]