Some kind of Cicada?
Location: Carlingford (western sydney), Australia
March 18, 2012 8:49 pm
While out photographing some bugs in my backyard, i stumbled onto this guy sitting on one of my window sills, i have no idea what he is. Looks a little bit like a cicada, but quite a bit smaller (probably 1/3 the size?). I didnt get many photos of him before he jumped, and i didnt see where he went after that.
Signature: Paul J R
Dear Paul,
The reason this Leafhopper reminds you of a Cicada is that they are in the same insect order, Hemiptera. We have not been able to find a matching image for your individual, however, it reminds us of the Gum Tree Hoppers in the subfamily Eurymelinae that are pictured on the Brisbane Insect website.
Hello Daniel and Paul. Take a look at this fulgorid family portrait: http://www1.dpi.nsw.gov.au/keys/fulgor/fulgorid/desudaba.htm. I’m thinking perhaps D. maculata because of the light eyes. Unfortunately mounted specimens just don’t do justice to the real things, do they?
That does appear to be a match. Thanks so much for the link.
You are most welcome, Daniel.
Hi, I live in Campbelltown NSW. I found the same species of Treehopper you once found. I thought it was a Small Cicada too. I will try to post some pics soon.
Thanks for the input.
Hi Bugman, I posted the similar Treehopper pics yesterday. Just search “Leafhopper”.
Definitely a species of *Desudaba* but the eyes and spots look too pale to be *Desudaba maculata*. Might be *D. circe*.