Aleeta curvicosta ( Germar, 1834 ) Moulds, 2003

Moulds, M. S., 2003, An Appraisal of the Cicadas of the Genus Abricta Stål and Allied Genera (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadidae), Records of the Australian Museum 55, pp. 245-304 : 263-271

Aleeta curvicosta ( Germar, 1834) , n.comb.

Figs. 8, 20, 46, 47, 50a–f, 60

Cicada curvicosta Germar, 1834: 66–67 ; Walker, 1850: 114; Dohrn, 1859: 73; Stål, 1859: 270; Bennett, 1860: 271; Ewart, 1990: 3.

Cicada tephrogaster Boisduval, 1835: 610–611 , pl. 10.

Tibicen curvicostus .– Stål, 1861: 618.

Tibicen (Abricta) tephrogaster .– Stål, 1866: 26.

Tibicina curvicosta .– Froggatt, 1903: 418.

Tibicen curvicosta .–Goding & Froggatt, 1904: 565, 599–600.

Abricta curvicosta .– Distant, 1906: 130; Froggatt, 1907: 351; Kirkaldy, 1907b: 308; Ashton, 1914: 349; Froggatt, 1914: 341; Distant, 1920: 457; Singh-Pruthi, 1925: 194, pl. 20; Chisholm, 1932: 131; Kato, 1932: 181, pl. 28; Froggatt, 1933: 93; Finlayson, 1934: 232; McKeown, 1942: 98; McKeown, 1944: 234, 237; Anonymous, 1948: 1; Musgrave, 1953: 15; Tillyard, 1926: 161; Kato, 1956: 61, pl. 14; Burns, 1957: 635, 636; McKeown, 1958: 380; Metcalf, 1963: 206–207; Orian, 1964: 1; Wilson, 1970: 22; Woodward et al., 1970: 413; Young, 1972a: 343, 352–355; Young, 1972b: 238, 241, 242, pls. 1, 3; Young, 1973: 377, 378; Michelsen & Nocke, 1974: 257; McAlpine, 1977: 25; Noyce, 1980: 9; Hockings, 1980:99; Moulds, 1983: 434; Young & Josephson, 1983a: 185, 186, 192, 194; Young & Josephson, 1983b: 198, 204, 206; Duffels & van der Laan, 1985: 234; Mac Nally & Doolan, 1986a: 281, 284–291; Mac Nally & Doolan, 1986b: 35, 37–40, 42–43, 46; Clyne, 1990: 133; Moulds, 1990: 119–120, pl. 15; M oulds & Carver, 1991: 467; Boulard, 1991: 118 ; Ewart, 1995: 82; Moss, 1997: 10; Ewart, 2001a: 502–505, 507, 508; Ewart, 2001b: 69–75, 81–83.

Types

(a) Cicada curvicosta Germar. Lectotype Ƌ here designated and paralectotype Ƌ (in OUM) . Lectotype Ƌ bearing three labels: (a) “Hem. Type No. 790 1/2”; (b) “NH” [= New Holland] white label handwritten in ink; (c)

curvicosta Germ ” blue label handwritten in pencil. Paralectotype Ƌ bearing two labels (a) “Hem. Type No. 790 2/2”; (b) “NH” white label handwritten in ink.

Lectotype designation. Germar did not designate a type for curvicosta or list the specimens he examined. Ewart (1990) confirmed the existence of two specimens (both male) in the Hope Entomological Collections, Oxford, that could be regarded as syntypes. To ensure the identity of this species as previously known and to maintain the long established synonymy of curvicosta and tephrogaster the specimen (Hem. Type No. 790 1/2) is here designated lectotype. The remaining specimen (Hem. Type No. 790 2/ 2) is designated paralectotype.

Type locality. The type locality is known no better than Australia. Germar’s types are labelled only as coming from New Holland while his description of the species simply gives the locality as “ Habitat in Australasia ” .

(b) Cicada tephrogaster Boisduval. Lectotype Ƌ here designated and paralectotype Ƌ (in MNHP) (examined) . Lectotype Ƌ bearing three labels: (a) “Portjacks./Durville” handwritten in india ink; (b) Cicada / tephrogaster Bdv ” in handwriting of Boisduval; (c) “Voyage de/l’Austrolabe/ Holotype Ƌ / Cicada / tephrogaster /Boisduval/ Michel Boulard det. 1990” partly handwritten, partly machine printed . Paralectotype Ƌ bearing three labels: (a)

tephrogaster /Port Jackson/M. d’Urville” handwritten in india ink; (b) Cicada / tephrogaster Boisd. ” in handwriting of Boisduval; (c) “Voyage de/l’Austrolabe/ Paratype Ƌ / Cicada / tephrogaster /Boisduval/Michel Boulard det 1990” partly handwritten, partly machine printed.

Lectotype designation. Boisduval did not designate a type for tephrogaster or state the number of specimens he examined. Boulard (1991) confirmed the existence of two specimens (both male) in MNHP that should be regarded as syntypes. To ensure the synonymy of tephrogaster with curvicosta the specimen labelled holotype is here chosen as lectotype and the remaining specimen as paralectotype.

Material examined. Types and the following: QUEENSLAND —1 3, Cairns , 6–20.i.1962 , Carne & Britton; 4 33, 5♀♀, Bundaberg , 18.ix.1972 , on trunk of Casuarina, H. Frauca; 1♀, Bin Bin via Didcot , 14.ix.1975 , H. Frauca; 13, Brisbane, 2.i.[19]11, W.W. Froggatt Collection; all in ANIC. 13, Ravenshoe , 11.i.1962 , E.B. Britton; 1♀, Peak Downs (no date or collector); all in BMNH. 1♀, Mt Molloy , 20.xii.1987 , T. A. Moulds; 233, 6♀♀, Rifle Creek, Mt Molloy , 9.i.1992 , L. R. Ring; 333, 4♀♀, Julatten , 1.iii.1979, 30.i.1980, 15.ii.1981, 4.i.1983, 19.xii.1985, 15.xii.1987 , A. Walford-Huggins; 13, 1♀, Julatten , 27.i.1986 , H. & J. Beste; 633, 10♀♀, Julatten , 1.i.1977, 24.i.1981, 29.i.1982, 4.i.1984, 16.i.1988 , MBM; 13, 1♀ (male genitalic preparation no. AB34), Julatten , 4.i.1980 , A. Hiller; 2♀♀, Black Mtn Rd, 23 km from Kuranda , 27.i.1977 , AMW-H; 13, 20 km N of Kuranda , 4.i.1978 , A. Hiller; 1♀, Black Mtn Rd, Kuranda , 28.i.1979 , R. Storey, I. Titmarsh; 5233, 35♀♀, Kuranda , 25.xi.1987, 3.i.1988, 4.i.1988, 7.i.1988 , and 10.i.1988, J. Hasenpusch; 933, 1♀ (1 male genitalic preparation no. AB38), Kuranda , 16.i.1960 , M.S. Moulds; 1033, 15♀♀, Kuranda , 29.xii.1976, 5.i.1977, 14.i.1977, 16.i.1977, 15.i.1988 , MBM; 13, Kuranda , 31 xii.1988 , H. & A. Howden; 13, Kuranda , 5–15.i.1976 , J. McLoughlin; 1 ♀, Kuranda , 1–10.i.1987 , C.

Rojewski; 13, Kuranda, 4 i.1974, AMW-H; 433, 2♀♀, Kuranda, 29.i.1980, 30.xii.1982, 13,22,23. i.1983, G. Wood; 1♀, Myola, 10.i.1976, J. McLoughlin; 233, Myola, 6.i.1974, AMW-H; 1♀, Oak Forest, 8.iii.1973, A.P. & M. Walford-Huggins; 13, 1♀, Clohesy River S.F. SW of Kuranda, 18.i.1984, MBM; 13, Mareeba Road, Clohesy R., 17.i.1974, AMW-H; 533, 1♀, Atherton, 18.i.1980, A. Irvine; 233, 2♀♀, Atherton, 14,27. xi.1989, D.A. Lane; 233, 2 km W of Atherton, 7.i.1990, D.A. Lane; 233, (1 genitalic preparation no. AB41), Wondecla, nr Herberton, 4–8.i.1981, G. Wood; 1 ♀, 16 km W of Ravenshoe, 2.i.1975, M.S. Moulds; 1♀, Cairns, i.1960, M.S. Moulds; 13, Mulgrave R, 25 km S of Gordonvale, 30 m, 15.i.1980, A. Hiller; 1♀, Tully Gorge, 21.i.1990, J. Hasenpusch; 333, nr Garradunga, nr Innisfail, 6.xi.,5,31. xii.1987, J. Hasenpusch; 1♀, Storey Ck, Garradunga, 8.xii.1992, J. Hasenpusch; 13, 11♀♀, Kirrama Range, W of Kennedy, 17.i.1990, MBM; 233, Brandon, nr Ayr, 26.xii.1989, MBM; 13, 1♀, Ayr, 8.i.1967, M.S. Moulds; 1033, 3♀♀ (1 male genitalic preparation no. AB30), Funnel Creek, 50 km SW of Sarina, 8.xii.1980, MBM; 833, 5♀♀, Waverley Ck, Bruce Hwy, 10 km S of St Lawrence turnoff, 21.xii.1987, 23.i.1992, MBM; 933, 8♀♀, Cathu State Forest, N of Eungella Nat. Pk, 600 m, 21.i.1990, 22.i.1992, MBM; 233, 3♀♀, same data but base of range 150 m; 13 (genitalic preparation no. AB33), Eungella Nat. Park, W of Mackay, 10.i.1967, M.S. Moulds; 233, 1♀ (1 male genitalic preparation no. AB42), Gargett, W of Mackay, 14.i.1979, L. R. Ring; 13, 48 km S of Glenden Mine, 17.i.1987, MBM; 13, 1♀, Mackay, i.1985 and i–ii.1985, E.W.J. Adams; 1 ♀, Seaforth via Mackay, 1.i.1988, B. van Moolanbroek; 13, Rockhampton, 20.xii.1976, MBM; 13, Kawana, Rockhampton, 20.i.1984, R. Eastwood; 1♀, Yeppoon, 16.i.1992, A. Walford-Huggins; 233, Isaac R. x-ing N of Dingo/Mt Flora road, 27.i.1986, MBM; 533, 7♀♀, McKenzie River x-ing 75 km NNE of Dingo, 17.i.1987, MBM; 533, 3♀♀, 2 km W of Emerald, 1.i.1994, J.E. & M.S. Heath; 333, 1♀, Dawson R., 4 km SW of Mourangee Hsd, nr Edungalba, i.1985, E.E. Adams; 233, Dawson River, 7 km SW of Mourangee Hsd, nr Edungalba, 12.xii.1987, E.E. Adams; 13, 6 km SW of Mourangee Hsd, nr Edungalba, 20.xii.1987, T.A. Moulds; 13, 50 km S of Duaringa, 29.i.1986, MBM; 333, Christmas Creek, 43 km S of Rolleston, 20.xii.1983, MBM; 1433, 8♀♀ (1 male genitalic preparation no. AB67), 85 km S of Rolleston, 20.xii.1983, MBM; 13, 60 km N of Biloela, 22.i.1982, MBM; 1133, 15♀♀, (1 male genitalic preparation no. AB66), Theodore, 23,24. xii.1989, R. Eastwood; 333, 11 km SSE of Wandoan, 22.xii.1989, MBM; 4♀♀, base, Mount Scoria, 6 km S of Thangool, 24°32'S 150°36'E, 10.ii.1991, GAD, C. Burwell; 533, 1♀, (1 male genitalic preparation no. AB36), Upper Granite Ck, S of Miriam Vale, 7.xii.1980, MBM; 13, 30 km NE of Lowmead, 31.xii.1974, G.B. Monteith; 1♀, Bundaberg, 5.x.1982, J. North; 1♀, Bundaberg, 10.xi.1985, F.G. Sattler; 1♀, Wallaville, 20.xii.1972, G. Cook; 1♀, Mt Goonaneman, via Childers, 6–7.ii.1981, G.B. Monteith; 1 ♀, Burnett River, 10 km N of Eidsvold, 20.i.1988, MBM; 13, Torbanlea nr Pialba, 20.i.1979, J. V. Peters; 13, Maryborough, 1.xi.1988, K.L. Dunn; 1♀, Maryborough, 23.xi.1986, R. Eastwood; 1♀, Gympie, 30.xi.1988, R. Eastwood; 13, Doonan, Noosa Valley, 31.i.1988, R. Eastwood; 5♀♀, Ningi, 27.xii, 6.i.1992, G. R. Cleminson; 13, 2♀♀, 14 km N of Nambour, 24.i.1992, MBM; 233, Mudjimba Beach, Sunshine Coast, 5.i.1988, R. Eastwood; 13, Maroochydore, 1.xii.1985, K. Tyrer; 433, 8♀♀, Maroochydore, 5.xii.1978, 7,8,10. xii.1985, 1.ii.1987, 23.xi.1987, 30.xii.1987, 5,9. i.1988, 10.xii.1990, 16.ii.1991, R. Eastwood; 13, The Cod Hole, Maroochydore, 6.xi.1985, R. Eastwood; 13, 1♀, Buderim, 1.i.1978 and 10.xi.1980, R. Eastwood; 13, Maleny, 30.xii.1977, R. Eastwood; 1♀, 30 mi N of Brisbane, 12 i.1973, P. Zborowski; 13, Somerset Dam, 19.i.1992, R. Eastwood; 1♀, Mt Nebo, 500 m, NW of Brisbane, 7.i.1986, A. Hiller; 13 (genitalic preparation no. AB40), Brisbane, 16.i.1973, M.S. Moulds; 13, Brisbane, 30.xi.1978, J. North; 1♀, Brisbane, 9.ii.1975, A. Walford-Huggins; 13, 1♀, Redcliffe, Brisbane, 9.xii.1983, R. Eastwood; 233, 1♀, Redland Bay, [Brisbane], 12,16. i.1992, R. Eastwood; 13, Stafford, 26.ix.1985, S. R. Raine; 2♀♀, Jamboree Heights, Brisbane, 15.xii.1984, 22.xii.1990, G. Daniels; 1♀, Jamboree Heights, Brisbane, 13.xii.1979, A. Daniels; 13, Rainworth, Brisbane, 8.xii.1979, J. Conran; 13, Taringa, Brisbane, 6 x.1984, J. T. North; 533, St Lucia, Brisbane, x.1983, 6.x.1984, 22.xii.1985 and 3.i.1986, R. de Keyzer; 13 (genitalic preparation no. AB32), St Lucia, Brisbane, 17.xii.1976, MBM; 13, 2♀♀, St Lucia, Brisbane, 27.i.1980, 24.ii.1980 and 13.xi.1980, C. Hagan; 233, St Lucia, Brisbane, 3.xii.1985, 5.ii.1990, G. Daniels; 13, Corinda, Brisbane, 7.i.1982, J. North; 1♀, Tarragindi, Brisbane, 20.vii.1984, J. T. North; 3♀♀, Doolandella, Brisbane, 11,12. i.1985, MBM; 13, Moogerah Dam, Aratula, 11.i.1993, R. Eastwood; 3♀♀, Isle of Capri, Gold Coast, 6.xii.1989, 9.xii.1989 and 13.i.1990, R. Eastwood; all in MSM. 13, Daintree R., [no date], K. Hateley; 13, Mt Molloy, 3.i.1954, G.B[rooks]; 633, 1♀, Kuranda, 14.i.1950, 28,29. i.1951, G.B[rooks]; 1♀, Cairns, [no date], Edmund Jarvis; 13, 1♀, Cairns Dist., 1945, S. Brock; 13, Mulgrave River, 26.xii.1926, A.N. Burns; 1♀, Mackay, 15.iii.30, A.N. Burns, Collection A.N. Burns [labelled allotype A. cadulua , an unpublished manuscript name]; 13, Westwood, 4.i.24, A.N. Burns, Collection A.N. Burns [labelled holotype of A. cadulua , an unpublished manuscript name]; 1♀, Noosa Heads, i.1962, [J.] Guyomar; 1133, 4♀♀, Brisbane, 14.xii.1952, 12 & 21.ii, 27.xi, 10.xii.1954, 27.xii.1958, 27.xii.1959, 7.i.1961, J. Kerr; 233, Mt Cootha, 12.iii.1955, J. Kerr; 233, Burleigh Heads, 3–4.i.1956, 26.i.1958, J. Kerr; 1 3, Esk, 14.xii.1958, J.K[err]; all in MV. 1♀, Bundaberg, Baldwin’s Swamp Survey 1992, Eric Zillman; 13, Brisbane, 14.i.[19]13, H. Hacker; 1♀, Brisbane, 2.xii.[19]52, R.H. Magee; 1♀, Mus[eum] Brisbane, 31.i.[19]52, D.P. Vernon; 13, Wilston, Brisbane, 5.i.[19]61, B. Poyser; 13, Inglewood (no other data); 333, 1♀, “Glen Witheren”, Canungra Creek, 20–22.i.1987, G.B. Monteith; 1 ♀, Cunningham’s Gap, New Year 1962 (no other data); all in QM. 1♀, Gordonvale, 13.i.[19]49, B. Hitchcock; 1♀, Tully, iii.1961, A. Flegler; 1♀, Townsville, 15.viii.[19]57, I. Sutherland; 13, Greta Ck, 20 mi N of Proserpine, 1.i.1965, G. Monteith; 1♀, Springsure, 7.xi.1950, D.G. Tulloch; 1♀, Colosseum Ck, 10 mi S of Miriam Vale, 20.xii.1966, B. Cantrell; 13, Biloela, 21.i.[19]47, F. Kleinschmidt; 1♀, 20 mi S of Biloela, 7.i.1972, B. Cantrell; 13, 2♀♀, 30 km NE of Lowmead, 31.xii.1974, G.B. Monteith; 13, Planted Ck, via Tansey, 12.xii.1976, G.B. & S. R. Monteith; 1♀, Gympie, 9.ii.[19]45, M. Sauer; 13, Gympie, 20.xi.1965, B.A. Mooney; 13, M’ydore [= Maroochydore], 25.xii.[19]21, J.A. Beck; 1 3, Lawes, xii.[19]54, J. Thapa; 13, Gatton, 14.xii.[19]34; 1♀, Brisbane, 11.viii.[19]57, G. Diatloff; 13, Brisbane, 4.i.[19]43 (no other data); 13, Brisbane, 1.xi.[19]57, P. Ranby; 1♀, Tingalpa, [Brisbane], 21.i.[19]56, G.E.; 233, Brisbane, 28.i., 14.ii.1951, C. Deane; 13, Brisbane, 16.i.[19]50, R. Domrow; 1♀, St Lucia, [Brisbane], ii.1959, I. Rowlingson; 1♀, Brisbane, i.1961, R.G. Winks; 13, Redland Bay, [Brisbane], 19.xi.[19]62, G. Shaw; 13, Warwick, 1.i.[19]55, R.W. Downes; all in UQIC. NEW SOUTH WALES — 1 ♀, Dorrigo [no other data], Collaroy [Sydney], 2.i.1959, K. R. Norris; 1♀, Gerringong, i.1926, M. Fuller; all in ANIC. 13, Parramatta (no date or collector) BMNH. 13, Nabiac, 2.xii.1966, L. R. Greenup; 13, Terrigal, 2.i.1970, L. R.G[reenup]; 13, East Gosford, 28–29.xi.1964, P.C. Hely; 1 ♀, Wiseman’s Ferry, ii.1964, R. Craig; 1 3, Earlwood, Sydney, 29.i.1959, L.G[reenup]; 13, Cabramatta, [Sydney], 20.i.1963, M. Nikitin; all in LG. 13, Chinderah, Tweed River, 9.i.1985, MBM; 233, 1♀, Mt Warning, 300 m, 20.i.1988, R. Eastwood; 13, Kilgra, approx. 10 km N of Kyogle, 11.i.1976, W. Rixon; 13, Upper Eden Creek, nr Kyogle, 12.i.1967, M.S. Moulds; 13, Upper Eden Creek, nr Kyogle, 8.i.1985, MBM; 13, Kyogle, 10.i.1975, M.S. Moulds; 13, Lismore, 3 xii.1986, S. & B. Underwood; 1♀, Tregeagle, 10 km SW of Lismore, 20.i.1980, D. Yeates; 233, Konorogan [= Konorigan], 17.i.1965, G. R. Brown; 1♀, Wyrallah, 1.i.1967, G. R. Brown; 13, Pimlico, 12.i.1993, B. Thomas; 13, Black Swamp Tenterfield, 19.xii.1980, F.G. Sattler; 13, Coffs Harbour, 2.i.1971, M.S. Moulds; 233, Coffs Harbour, 10,20. i.1972, S. Devine; 13, 1♀, Coffs Harbour, 14,17. xii.1987, B.C. White; 13, Sawtell, 15.xii.1987, B.C. White; 1♀, Bellingen, xii.1987, K. Slater; 13, Urunga, 24.i.1971, M.S. Moulds; 2♀♀, Port Macquarie, 10.i.1972, M.S. Moulds; 2033, 9♀♀ (1 male genitalic preparation no. AB39), Lansdowne, nr Taree, 27.xi.1980, MBM; 1♀, Lansdowne, 26.xi.1980, G. & T. Williams; 233, 2♀♀, 3 km N of Lansdowne, nr Taree, 7– 13.xii.1987, 30.xi–6.xii.1987 and 21–27.xii.1987, G. Williams; 1 3 (genitalic preparation no. AB35), Old Bar nr Taree, 8 i.1972, M.S. Moulds; 1♀, Dudley, Newcastle, 18.ii.1988, A. Atkins; 1133, 8♀♀, Cardiff, Newcastle, 26.xi.1991, 1,2,6,20,30. xii.1991, 11,18,20,21,27. i.1991, F.G. Sattler; 13, 1♀, Charmhaven, 25.xi.1989, MBM; 13, Charmhaven, 23.xi.1990, A. Holmes; 1♀, Wheeny Ck, N of Kurmond, 22.ii.1992, MBM; 13, Ourimbah S.F., 19.i.1988, B.C. White; 13, Avoca Beach, nr Gosford, 23.xi.1985, S. Hunter & A. Johnson; 13, 2♀♀, Avoca Beach, i.1979, 3.xii.1983, S. Hunter; 233, 1♀, Saratoga, nr Gosford, 9.xii.1985, Darley-Bently; 13, Barrenjoey, 10.i.1970, J. V. Peters; 1♀, Bayview, nr Church Point, 21.xii.1981, L.C. Haines; 2233 (1 male genitalic preparation, no. AB37), 2♀♀, Avalon Beach, Sydney, 20.xii.1958, 18.i.1962, 13.i.1963, 27.xii.1969, 28.xii.1969, 29.xii.1969, 1.i.1970, 2.i.1970 and 26.xii.1973, M.S. Moulds; 13, 1♀, Narrabeen, Sydney, 30.xii.1971, M.S. Moulds; 13, 4♀♀, Narrabeen, 30.i.1985, 12.xii.1985, i.1986 and ii.1990, G. Hangay; 533, Long Reef, 5.i.1972, J. V. Peters; 1♀, Forestville, Sydney, 18.xii.1987, T.I. Wallace; 1♀, Lane Cove, Sydney, 11.i.1988, S. & B. Underwood; 13, Lane Cove, 12.ii.1972, [no collector]; 13, Narremburn, Sydney, 3.xii.1979, C. Holmes; 233, 3♀♀, Greenwich, Sydney, 1.ii.1969, 20.xii.1969, 20.i.1970, 2.ii.1970 and 27.xii.1973, M.S. Moulds; 13, Greenwich, Sydney, 16.xii.1975, MBM; 233, 1♀, Greenwich, Sydney, 19.xii.1975 and 3.ii.1983, T.E. Moulds; 233, Greenwich, Sydney, 19.i.1974, C. Holmes; 333, 3♀♀ (1 male genitalic preparation no. AB31), Gymea, Sydney, 2.ii.1979, R. Eastwood; 13, Rose Bay, Sydney, xii.1985, D. Sheehy; 1♀, Eastern Suburbs, Sydney, i.1988, M. Sharon; 333, 3♀♀, Bexley, Sydney, 18.ii.1978 and iii.1983, B. Brunet; 13, Royal National Park nr Sydney, 4.xii.1965, B. Brunet; 233, Boudi National Park, 11.i.1969, G. R. Brown; all in MSM. 633, 4♀♀, Coffs Harbour, 24,29. xii.1949, F.D.; 13, Bandon Grove, 21.xii.1958, on blackthorn bush, W.McK. Dowling; 13, Mona Vale, 27.xii.1957, M.I.N[ikiten]; 1♀, Narrabeen, 7.i.1932, A.B.; 533, 2♀♀, Redhead, 27.xii.1925, 20–31.xii.1952, 27.xii.1955, R.D[obson]; 1 ♀, labelled only “presd by Dr Goding & Froggatt, NSW, xi.04”, [also incorrectly labelled Tibicen rubra and as paratype Abricta cadulua , the latter an unpublished manuscript name]; all in MV. 1♀, Sydney, ii.1922, G.H. Hardy, QM. 1♀, Sydney [determined as Tibicen rubra G. & F. by Goding & Froggatt 13.10.04; also labelled as paratype of Abricta kadulua A.N. Burns but the name was never published], SAM.

Description

Male ( Figs. 20, 46, 47, 50a,d,e,f). Head. Brown with dominant areas of black surrounding ocelli and on supra-antennal plate; usually with a muddy yellow or light brown spot on dorsal midline against posterior margin, this spot appearing as an extension of marking of similar colour along midline of pronotum. Postclypeus usually brown but often with some black, sometimes substantially black; lateral margins usually edged muddy yellow or light brown. Anteclypeus usually brown but sometimes tending black; with a small thickened anterior lip always glossy black in vicinity of midline. Rostrum brown but usually partially or entirely black in apical region, sometimes for its full length laterally; reaching to, or a little beyond, bases of hind coxae.Antennae brown to nearly black. Head usually covered to some extent with silver pubescence, especially so on underside. Thorax. Pronotum brown, usually of similar tone to that of head and usually paler than mesonotum (concolorous in specimens from low rainfall inland areas); midline with a broad muddy-yellow to light brown fascia terminating at or near pronotal collar, this fascia edged black, the black expanded partly along anterior margin and at its posterior end adjacent to pronotal collar; pronotal collar usually light brown, sometimes muddy-yellow, occasionally dark brown laterally anterior of lateral angle; much of pronotum usually covered to some extent with silver pubescence, sometimes extensively so except for majority of pale dorsal midline. Mesonotum usually dark ferruginous, sometimes partly black; midline usually marked by an indistinct narrow light brown fascia and a pair of similar paramedian bowed fascia based on anterior margin and extending back to around one third the length of mesonotum; cruciform elevation with basal area light brown divided by a dark fascia along midline; usually covered to some extent by silver pubescence, sometimes substantially. Thorax below yellowish brown to dark brown. Wings. Hyaline. Fore wings always with a black infuscation at base of apical cells 2 and 3, these sometimes fused along Rs forming a single zigzag infuscation; venation usually tending black but sometimes partially brown; basal cell usually opaque amber, sometimes weakly opaque or even nearly hyaline; basal membrane muddy-yellow to black, usually a mixture of both; costal veins and most others bearing a little silver pubescence not always obvious to naked eye, this pubescence often in small dispersed clusters. Hind wings with a heavy black infuscation along full length of 2A, expanded to varying degrees along wing margin; plaga broad along basal three quarters of 3A and along much of inner margin, usually tinted brown and bordered by heavy black infuscation; usually a small black infuscation near centre of wing at base of apical cell 4; venation light brown usually with ambient vein tending black. Legs. Yellowish brown to dark brown with no distinct markings. Opercula. Muddy pale yellow narrowly edged brown or black and normally covered by fine silver pubescence; almost meeting, extending laterally beyond lateral margins of abdomen and distally a little beyond tympanal cavities. Abdomen. Tergites dark ferruginous brown to almost black; sometimes showing slightly lighter pigmentation dorsally, to a lesser extent mid-laterally and occasionally along posterior edge of tergites; an area of distinct silver pubescence laterally on tergites 2 and 3. Sternites glossy black to varying degrees with at least lateral extremities partly dark brown; sterniteVIII dark brown. Tymbals ( Fig. 20).As for generic description. Genitalia ( Figs. 46, 47). Pygofer dark ferruginous brown; upper pygofer lobes much shorter than dorsal beak, in lateral view almost as broad as long, tending bilobed, distal end terminated at an oblique angle, in ventral view clearly lying within margins of pygofer; basal lobes with outer and inner lobes of similar length and entirely fused by a broad webbing, in lateral view outer lobe tapering to a point confluent with webbing. Uncal lobes beak-like, nearly conical and tapering to a blunt point, gently curved downwards and slightly outwards near distal end. Conjunctival claws simple, sharply pointed, directed ventrally, flattened, broad in lateral view, narrow in ventral view. A small, sublateral, gentlyrounded flange on either side of theca near distal end, visible when theca viewed ventrally or appearing as a small triangular lobe either side when theca viewed end-on. Palearis absent.

Female ( Figs. 8, 50b,c). Colour and markings similar to those of male. Abdominal segment 9 dark reddish brown partly tending black on some specimens, usually very slightly paler along dorsal midline and subdorsally; dorsal beak black. Ovipositor sheath usually black or nearly so but sometimes dark reddish brown.

Measurements. KURANDA, NORTHERN QUEENSLAND: n = 1033, 10♀♀ (includes largest and smallest of available specimens). Length of body: male 27.4–32.4 (29.7); female 32.1–38.1 (35.2). Length of fore wing: male 38.7–46.1 (42.6); female 43.0–50.0 (47.7). Width of head: male 10.0– 11.6 (10.9); female 11.1–12.9 (12.1). Width of pronotum: male 10.4–12.8 (11.6); female 11.9–14.3 (13.1). C ATHU STATE FOREST, NEAR EUNGELLA, CENTRAL QUEENSLAND: n = 1033, 10♀♀ (includes largest and smallest of available specimens). Length of body: male 27.3–30.3 (28.9); female 31.3–34.7 (33.3). Length of fore wing: male 39.1–42.8 (40.7); female 41.5–45.4 (43.8). Width of head: male 10.2– 10.9 (10.6); female 10.4–11.8 (11.2). Width of pronotum: male 10.8–11.8 (11.3); female 11.1–12.9 (12.2). F UNNEL CREEK, SOUTH- WEST OF SARINA, CENTRAL QUEENSLAND: n = 1033, 3♀♀ (includes all available specimens). Length of body: male 21.3–24.6 (23.0); female 22.6–24.8 (23.6).

Length of fore wing: male 30.2–33.3 (31.8); female 31.1– 32.6 (31.8). Width of head: male 8.3–9.0 (8.6); female 8.3– 9.1 (8.6). Width of pronotum: male 8.4–9.5 (8.9); female 8.3–9.5 (8.9). T HEODORE, SOUTHEASTERN QUEENSLAND: n = 933, 10♀♀ (includes smallest and largest of available specimens). Length of body: male 23.3–25.6 (24.3); female 24.4–27.3 (26.1). Length of fore wing: male 32.1–35.2 (33.4); female 33.5–37.0 (35.2). Width of head: male 8.8– 9.3 (8.9); female 8.6–10.0 (9.3). Width of pronotum: male 8.9–9.4 (9.2); female 9.1–10.3 (9.7). L ANSDOWNE, NEAR TAREE, NSW: n = 1033, 10♀♀ (includes largest and smallest of available specimens). Length of body: male 26.5–31.0 (29.0); female 28.5–36.6 (33.0). Length of fore wing: male 38.6–43.0 (41.3); female 40.2–47.9 (44.8) .

Width of head: male 10.3–11.3 (10.7); female 10.4–11.8 (11.3). Width of pronotum: male 10.8–12.1 (11.5); female 11.5–13.3 (12.4).

This is one of the largest species within the complex of Abricta and allied genera and is equalled only by Abricta ferruginosa from Mauritius. However, the size of specimens is markedly varied between localities, a phenomenon first noted by Moulds (1990). Individuals from areas receiving an average annual rainfall less than about 1000 mm are smaller than those from areas of high rainfall and lush vegetation (compare Kuranda and Funnel Ck measurements above). Thus, coastal specimens are usually much larger than inland specimens, except in some areas between Ayr and Bowen, and between Mackay and Rockhampton, where coastal rainfall approaches 1000 mm. Inland specimens usually have a fore wing length around 35 mm, never greater than 40 mm (note Funnel Ck and Theodore measurements). Individuals from coastal SE Qld and coastal NSW usually have a fore wing length above 40 mm (note Lansdowne measurements). Some of the largest specimens come from rainforest districts on the Atherton Tableland where a fore wing length above 43 mm is usual but length can sometimes reach over 50 mm (note Kuranda measurements).

Distinguishing features. The large size of this species, together with its usually pale pronotal midline and male opercula that extend laterally well beyond the body clearly characterize curvicosta .

Distribution ( Fig. 60). Eastern Queensland and NSW from the Daintree River north of Cairns to Bendalong on the NSW South Coast. On the Atherton Tableland it is common around Julatten and Kuranda and less common around Atherton, Herberton and Ravenshoe; it also occurs in the mountains at Eungella west of Mackay, but elsewhere in Queensland it is essentially a lowland species. In central Queensland it is less common, but extends inland to the Springsure and Carnarvon Gorge. It is a common species in southeastern Queensland south from the Bundaberg district, and throughout much of its range in NSW In far southeastern Queensland it occurs inland to Inglewood. In NSW it is mainly a lowland species and is not found west of the Great Dividing Range, although in the north of the State it has been taken inland as far as Black Swamp near Tenterfield. Throughout the species’ range there are no records from localities higher than 1000 m. In both the Brisbane and Sydney regions it is widespread, often occurring in the suburbs, and it is common in some years on the eastern slopes of the Blue Mountains as high as Springwood.

Adults have been taken on the Atherton Tableland from late December to early March, in southeastern Queensland from late September to June, and around Sydney from late November to mid April. In all localities adults are usually most common during the latter half of December and in January ( Moulds, 1990).

Habitat. Aleeta curvicosta is associated with a wide variety of habitats and plant species but is most often found on species of the family Myrtaceae ( Moulds, 1990) .

Song. Characteristics of the song are summarized by Moulds (1990).

Biology. G.A. Williams (pers. comm.) has observed extensive oviposition of Aleeta curvicosta at his property at Lansdowne near Taree on the NSW North Coast. He maintains a small orchard adjacent to his house in a clearing bordered by both rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest. His stone fruits in particular have been heavily attacked causing considerable damage to branches which later break under fruit load. Sear damage to stems and young trunks was also prevalent. Females have been observed ovipositing on the following shrubs and trees in or near that orchard [species marked by an asterisk (*) have sustained moderate to heavy branch damage]: FRUIT AND NUT TREES: White Sapote, Casimiroa edulis (Rutaceae) ; Lime, Citrus aurantiifolia (Rutaceae) ; Grapefruit, Citrus × paradisi ( Rutaceae ); Mandarin, Citrus reticulata (Rutaceae) ; Orange, Citrus sinensis (Rutaceae) ; Macadamia , Macadamia tetraphylla (Proteaceae) ; Black Sapote, Diospyros digyna (Ebenaceae) ; Persimmon, Diospyros kaki (Ebenaceae) ; Cherimoya, Annona cherimola (Annonaceae) ; Guava, Psidium guajava (Myrtaceae) ; *Cucumber tree, Averrhoa bilimbi (Oxalidaceae) ; *Pomegranate, Punica granatum (Punicaceae) ; *Apple, Malus sp. var. ( Rosaceae ); *Pear, Pyrus sp. var. ( Rosaceae ); *Plum, Prunus sp. var. ( Rosaceae ); *Apricot, Prunus armeniaca (Rosaceae) ; Capulin cherry, Prunus salicifolia (Rosaceae) ; *Peach, Prunus persica (Rosaceae) ; *Nectarine, Prunus persica var. nucipersica (Rosaceae) ; Pecan, Carya illinoiensis (Juglandaceae) ; Almond, Prunus dulcis (Rosaceae) . OTHER EXOTIC TREES AND SHRUBS: African tulip tree Spathodea campanulata (Bignoniaceae) ; Jacaranda , Jacaranda mimosifolia (Bignoniaceae) ; Yellowbells, Tecoma stans (Bignoniaceae) ; Buddleia, Buddleja davidii (Buddlejaceae) . AUSTRALIAN NATIVES: Macadamia , Macadamia integrifolia (Proteaceae) ; Rhodomyrtus psidioides (Myrtaceae) ; Glochidion ferdinandi (Euphorbiaceae) ; * Buckinghamia celsissima (Proteaceae) ; Stenocarpus sinuatus (Proteaceae) . Oviposition has also been recorded as occurring on Lisbon lemon, Citrus limon (Rutaceae) (Anonymous, 1948).

The only known nymphal food plants are confined to native species within the Myrtaceae and include several species of Melaleuca (including M. quinquenervia ) and Callistemon spp. which are often favoured in suburban gardens. Two native species that are favoured by adults, Lysicarpus angustifolius (another Myrtaceae ) and Lysiphyllum hookeri (family Caesalpiniaceae ) ( Moulds, 1990; J. Moss, pers. comm.), are also very likely nymphal food plants.

Further details on oviposition and nymphal biology are given by Moulds (1990).