Tree-ticker!

A bunch of the wonderful folks from the lab came around to our house today and we had a fun afternoon. One of the nature highlights was this handsome Black Tree-ticker Birrima varians resting on the tiles by the swimming pool. I don’t often get a chance to see cicadas up close, and this was the first time I’d seen this particular species.

According to Lindsay Popple’s brilliant website, the Black Tree-ticker comprises a species complex, including the Southern, Northern, and Central Tree-tickers—each occupying different ranges across eastern Australia. In Southeast Queensland, we’re likely hosting the Southern form.

Adults typically appear between August and March, so this is likely an early one just getting started. Their preferred habitat is open forest, often associated with the forest red gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis).

The male emits a slow, repeated “zeeeeeet” while aloft. Next task will be to try and get a sound recording.