A new species of Tamasa Distant from an unusual cave-like habitat in Australia (Cicadidae: Cicadinae: Tamasini)

Abstract

Tamasa caverna n. sp. is described from Black Mountain, northern Queensland, a mountain consisting almost entirely of large rock boulders. The species appears to be unique amongst Cicadidae in that the males sing from under these large boulders far from trees. Notes on its song and behaviour are provided. MouldS, M. S., and J. C. olive. 2014. A new species of Tamasa Distant from an unusual cave-like habitat in Australia (Cicadidae: Cicadinae: Tamasini). Records of the Australian Museum 66(5): 265–270. Introduction The genus Tamasa Distant has recently been redefined and its distinguishing features summarized (Moulds 1990, 2012); it includes four species endemic to eastern Australia. The new species described here is known only from Black Mountain, northern Queensland, and is unique amongst the Cicadidae because the males sing from under giant boulders far from trees. The song of this new species is analyzed and its habit of singing amongst the boulders discussed. Terminology for morphological features and higher classification follow those of Moulds (2005). The following abbreviations have been used for collections housing specimens: AM, Australian Museum, Sydney; JO, Collection of John Olive, Malanda; LWP, collection of L. W. Popple, Brisbane; MSM, collection of M. S. Moulds, Kuranda; QM, Queensland Museum, Brisbane. Family Cicadidae Tribe Tamasini Tamasa caverna n. sp.