Palapsalta is a genus of cicadas, mostly known as tree-buzzers, in the family Cicadidae, subfamily Cicadettinae and tribe Cicadettini. It was described in 2012 by Australian entomologist Maxwell Sydney Moulds.
Etymology
The genus name Palapsalta is a combination derived from Latin pala (âÂÂpaletteâÂÂ), with reference to the palette-like upper pygofer lobes of the male genitalia, and psalta (from Latin psaltria â a female harpist), which is a suffix traditionally used in the generic names of cicadas.
Species
As of 2025 there were eight described species in the genus:
- Palapsalta belli <small>Emery, Emery and Hutchinson, 2018</small> (Pilbara Tree-buzzer)
- Palapsalta circumdata <small>(Walker, 1852)</small> (Bronze Tree-buzzer)
- Palapsalta eyrei <small>(Distant, 1882)</small> (Yellow Tree-buzzer)
- Palapsalta ligneocauda <small>Emery, Emery and Hutchinson, 2018</small> (Lime Tree-buzzer)
- Palapsalta palaga <small>Owen and Moulds, 2016</small> (Northern River Tree-buzzer)
- Palapsalta serpens <small>Owen and Moulds, 2016</small> (Pale-sided Tree-buzzer)
- Palapsalta virgulata <small>(Ewart, 1989)</small> (Striped Tree-buzzer)
- Palapsalta vitellina <small>(Ewart, 1989)</small> (Eastern River Tree-buzzer)
References