Henicopsaltria eydouxii
| Henicopsaltria eydouxii | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hemiptera |
| Family: | Cicadidae |
| Genus: | Henicopsaltria |
| Species: | H. eydouxii |
| Binomial name | |
| Henicopsaltria eydouxii (Guérin-Méneville), 1838 | |
| Synonyms | |
Cicada eydouxii Guérin-Méneville | |
Henicopsaltria eydouxii, commonly known as the razor grinder, is a large species of cicada native to eastern Australia.[1] Predominantly brown in colour, it is found in wet sclerophyll forest in December and January and is quite common in Brisbane.
Contents
[hide]Taxonomy
The razor grinder was first described in 1838 by Félix Édouard Guérin-Méneville as Cicada eydouxii before being moved to the new genus Henicopsaltria in 1866. It is the type species.[2] Its common name refers to its harsh call, which has been likened to the noise of a metal grinder.[2]
Description
The razor grinder is a large cicada with a forewing measuring 50-55 mm.[1] Males and females are similar in color and markings. The head and thorax is red-brown with black markings. The wings are transparent with some brown discoloration.[2]
The male's call lasts for a few seconds, increases in volume,[3] suddenly stops, and then suddenly starts again.[4] They usually silently feed throughout the afternoon, and then groups call at maximum volume around dusk.[3] There is a secondary population, referred to as the Laughing Razor Grinder, which is only observed in rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest, and has a distinct call.[3]
Razor grinders can also emit a distress call – a fragmented irregular noise – upon being seized by a predator.[5]
Behaviour
Male razor grinders sing in large groups on the main trunks of tall eucalypts, especially spotted gum (Corymbia maculata).[1][3]
Adult razor grinders are wary and flig
