Ewartia roberti n. sp.

(Plates 1C, 1D; Figs 2 B, 7B, 8A, 9A, 10–14)

Cicadetta oldfieldi (Distant): Ewart, 1988: 182 –183, 191, 193, 196–197, Fig. 9 J–M, Plate 2C.

Types. Holotype: ♂ [typed] ‘ 28°59’S 151°28’E’ / ’ AUSTRALIA QLD’ / ‘ Glenlyon Dam, via’ / ‘ Texas, SEQ.’ / ’ 11–12.Mar.2004 . ’ / ‘ L. & W. Popple. ’ / ‘231-0023’ / ‘QM reg. no. T207359’ (QM); Paratypes: QUEENSLAND: 1♂ Indooroopilly, Brisbane Q., 28.ii.1990 ; 2♀ Stanthorpe, 11.ii.1990, A. I. Knight; 1 M Mackellar Ra. Rd, Bungabbeee SF, 15km SE. Kyogle, NSW, 28.xii.1997, mv light, Watkins elev. 180m ; 1♀ QLD: Mt Woowoonga ca 50mi. W. of Bundaberg via Dallarnil, 29–30.i.1972, H. Frauca ; 1♂ NW slope of Bluff Rg. nr Biggenden QLD, 10.i.1972, H. Frauca ; 2♂ QLD Biggenden, Bluff Range, 11.i.1971, H. Frauca, c. 1700ft ; 1♂ same data as previous, 12.xii.1972; 1♂ same data as previous, 13.i.1977; 1♂ QLD: Biggenden, Bluff Range, South fhills, 9.xii.1972, H. Frauca ; 2♂ same data as previous, 19–20.xii.1972, H. Frauca; 2♂ 1♀ QLD: Mt Walsh summit, 2200ft, Biggenden, 3.i.1972, H. Frauca ; 1♂ Coast Ranges, 11km S. of Biggenden Q., 4.xii.1976, H. Frauca; 1♀ QLD: Spring Ck ca 30km S. of Bundaberg, 23.xii.1976, H. Frauca ; 1♂ 27.33S 151.59E, Prince Henry Heights, 620m, Toowoomba Q., 19.xii.1985, I. F. B. Common (all ANIC) ; 2♂ Qld: 25.552° Sx 151.469°E, Binjour Plateau, Redvale Rd, 21.xii.1997, C. J. Burwell, open forest, 340m ; 1♂ 1♀ SEQ: 25°42’S 151°26’E Nipping Gully, Site 6, 18– 19.xii.1998, G. Monteith, C. Gough & G. Maywald, 7532, Cicadetta oldfieldi det. A. Ewart, 1997 ; 1♂ Toowoomba, 26.x.1908, Hamlyn-Harris, Melampsalta oldfieldi; 1♀ Toowoomba, 1908, Hamlyn-Harris, Melampsalta oldfieldi; 3♂ 2♀ QLD: 26°26’ Sx 150°31’E, Barakula, 330m, 17–18.xii.2001, G.Monteith & S. Wright, M.V. light, 10311 ; 1♀ QLD: 28°03’ Sx 153°07’E ‘ Glen Witheren’ General, 26–29.xii.2001, G. Montieth, M. V. light, 10352 ; 1♂ SEQ: 24°55’ 150°59’E, Hurdle Gully, 14.8km WSW Monto, open forest, 460m, 20.xii.1997, C. J. Burwell, S. Evans ; 1♂ 1F Gooroolba, S.E.Q., 1.xii.1952, W.W.Abell, Melampsalta oldfieldi; 1♂ N. of Samford, xi.1990, C. J. Burwell, Cicadetta oldfieldi det. A. Ewart 1997 (all QM) ; 1♂ Australia, Queensland, 4km W. of Binjour, SEQ, 24.i.2003, L. & W. Popple, mv lamp, 231-0001 ; 2♂ 1♀ Australia Queensland, 6 km west of Thane, 11.xii.2001, Hand collected, L. W. Popple, 28°09’41”S 151°57’59”E, 231-0002 to 231-0004 ; 1♂ Australia Queensland, Willowvale, 5 km N. Warwick, 11.xii.2001, L. Popple, J. Moss, 231-0005 ; 1♂ Australia Queensland, 28.162S ° 151.6287°E, Thanes Creek via Warwick, L. Popple, J. Moss, 231-0004, Genitalia prep. 231-01 ; 1♂ Dinmore, Ipswich, SEQ, 6.iii.1998, L. Popple, Acacia sp., 231-0006 ; 1♂ Camp Hill, Brisbane, SEQ, 3.iii.1998, L. Popple, Acacia sp., 231-0007 ; 1♂ Myall Park, 8km N. Glenmorgan, SEQ, 27–28.xii.2001, L. Popple, A. Strange, 231-0008 ; 1♂ Austin Rd, Crows Nest, SEQ, mv lamp, 26.xii.2001, L. Popple, A. Strange, 231-0009 ; 1♂ Highfields, via Toowoomba, SEQ, 26.xii.2001, L. Popple, A. Strange, 231-0010 ; 1♂ Lytton, SEQ, 10.xii.2000, L. Popple, S. Billington, 231-0011 ; 3♂ Carina Heights, SEQ, 7.xi.1998, L. Popple, 231-0014-231-0016 ; 1♀ Carina Heights, SEQ, 3.xii.1999, W. Popple, 231-0017 ; 1♂ Australia, Queensland, Carina Heights, Brisbane, SEQ, 7–8.i.2003, L. W. Popple, Recorded L. W. Popple, 231-0018 ; 1♂ Australia, Queensland, Carina Heights, Brisbane, SEQ, i.2003, L. W. Popple, 231-0019 ; 1♂ Australia, Queensland, Carina Heights, Brisbane, SEQ, 21.xii.2002, R. J. Popple, 231-0020 ; 1♀ 27°18’S 152°28’E, Australia, Qld, Mount Glorious, 11.i.2004, M. Larsen, mv lamp, 231-0022 ; 1♂ Australia Queensland, 28°34’S 152°49’E, Afterlee Public School, Kyogle district, rural, L. Popple, R. MacSloy, 231–0024 ; 1♂ Australia Queensland, 25°22’42”S 151°07’46”E, Eidsvold, Burnett River, 28–29.xii.2004, L. W. Popple, 231-0025 ; 1♂ Australia Queensland, 28.162S ° 151.6287°E, Thanes Creek via Warwick, 28.i.2005, L.Popple and R. MacSloy, 231-0027 ; 1♂ Australia Queensland, 27°24’47”S 152°11’60”E, Helidon Hills, Seventeen Mile Road, 19.ii.2005, L. W. Popple, R. MacSloy, 231-0028 ; 1♂ Australia Queensland, 25°36’18”S 151°32’26”E, Mt Debatable (summit), 28.x.2005, L. W. Popple, Acacia sp., 231-0029 ; 1♂ Australia Queensland, Southwood NP, via Moonie, 5– 10.xii.2005, L. Popple, A. Ewart, 27°50’05”S 150°06’47”E, 231-0030 ; 1♂ 3♀ Australia Queensland, Lake Broadwater, via Dalby, 14–15.xii.2005, L. W. Popple, mv lamp, 27°21’02”S 151°05’34”E, 231-0031 to 231-0035 ; 1♂ Australia Queensland, Metroplex, Murrarie, 27°26’58”S 153°05’54”E, iii.2008, Ac. fimbriata, L. W. Popple, 231-0036 ; 1♂ Australia Queensland, Burrandoan Rd, SW of Kingaroy, 11.xii.2007, 26° 26°35’54”S 151°44’58”E, 231-0037 ; 1♂ Australia QLD, Roys Rd, Beerwah (F.S. C.), 26°51’19”S 153°00’24”E, 10.xii.2007, A. flavescens, L. Popple, R. MacSloy; 1♂ Australia QLD, Warwick— 5 km S., parkland, Acacia sp., 22.i.2010, L. W. Popple, 28°13’31”S 152° 01’12”E, 231-0039 (all LWP) ; 1♀ Iron Bark, Crows Nest, 6.xi.1975, [A. Ewart] ; 2♂ 1♀ Iron Bark, Crows Nest, 22.xi.1975, [A. Ewart] ; 2♂ Perseverance Dam, 19.x.1975, [A. Ewart] ; 1♀ Ironbark Qld, Crows Nest, 1.xi.1977 [A. Ewart] ; 1♂ L. Broadwater, Dalby, Qld, 12.ii.1984, [A. Ewart] ; 3♂ 1♀ Wilkie Ck, L. Broadwater area, 21.ii.1987, A. E[wart]; 1 M Mt Nebo, SEQ, H. Horton, x.1987 ; 1♂ ‘ Rockwood’ Chinchilla, 26°55’S 150°25’E, Iron Bark Ridge, 29.i.1983 ; 1♂ L. Broadwater, SW. area, on A. spectabilis, 30km SW. Dalby, Q, 28.xi.1987, D. M. Reeves; 1♂ L. Broadwater, Acacia, A. E[wart], ~ 30km SW Dalby, 3.xi.1990 ; 1♂ Hellhole Creek Quarry, Auburn Rd, Baracula S.F., Q, 15.xii.1997 ; 1♂ Doolandella, S. E. Qld, 7.iii.1994, [A. Ewart]; 1♂ Doolandella, S. E. Qld, 18–19.xii.1995, [A. Ewart]; 3♂ L. Broadwater, E.P., SEQ., Bush Camp Entrance, A. E[wart], I. R[attray]; 3.i.2000, 27°19.89’S 151°05.76’E; 1♂ L. Broadwater, E.P., SEQ., Bush Camp Entrance, A. E[wart], I. R[attray]; 3.i.2000, 27°19,89’S 151°05.76’E, Recorded; 1♂ Binjour Plateau, 17 km NW. Gayndah, S.E.Q. 22.xii.2000, A. E[wart], 25°31.99’S 151°30.00’E, Field recording ; 1♂ Leslie Dam, Warwick, SEQ, 30.xi.2001, A. E[wart], 28°14.32’S 151°55.54’E, Recorded ; 1♂ Leslie Dam, Warwick, SEQ, 1.xii.2001, A. E[wart], Open woodland, 28°15.13’S 151°55.67’E ; 1♂ ‘ Allinga’ pty, N. Chinchilla SEQ. Brigalow, A. E [wart], 9.i.2002, 26°39.79’S 150°38.06’E (all AE) ; 1♀ Anstead Qld, 16.xii.1999, M. Coombs ; 1♀ Glastonbury Qld, 31.x.1999, G. Maywald, 26°13’S 152°32’E ; 1♂ Eumundi Qld, 11.xii.2001, M. Coombs ; 1♂ Gunalda Qld, 14.xii.2001, M. Coombs (all MC) ; 1♂ Benarkin, Blackbutt, 7.xi.1993, R. Eastwood ; 1♀ AU.QLD.YLC, Yarrill Ck, nr Boggabilla, 223m, 28°18.0’S 150°17.7’E, 2.i.2004, Cooley, Hill, Marshall, Moulds ; 1♂ 16 km S. of Miles, 19.xii.1987, T.A. Moulds ; 2♀ Kinbombi Falls, near Goomeri, 19.xii.1976, M.S. & B.J. Moulds ; 2♂ 2♀ Jimna, N. of Kilcoy, 17.xii.1979, A. Hiller ; 1♂ Isla Gorge, 22.x.1989, R. Eastwood; 1♂ 2♀ Coominglah Range, 24 km N. of Monto, 6.i.1975, M.S. & B.J. Moulds , ♂ genitalia prep C66; 1♂ St Lucia, Brisbane, 10.viii.1980, I. Gynther ; 1♂ 1♀ Wyberba, S. of Stanthorpe, ex. Coll. Vernon Fanning, purchased 1984, no other data; 1♂ Kenmore, 26.x.1984, J. North ; 1♂ St Lucia, 24.ix.1983, J. North ; 1♂ St Lucia, Brisbane, 10.x. 1987, R. Van Barneveld ; 1♂ Ashgrove, Brisbane, 5.x.1983, J.T. North ; 4♂ Leslie Dam, Warwick, 1.i.1993, R. Eastwood ; 1♂ [damaged], same data as previous, 7.i.1990; 1♂ Lake Broadwater, nr Dalby, site A, 27°21’S 151°06’E, 25.x.1986, G. and A. Daniels ; 1♂ same data as previous, 26.xii.1986; 1♂ same data as previous, site B, 30.i.1987; 1♂ same data as previous, 30.ii.1987; 1♀ St Lucia, 9.xii.1983, C. E. Hagan ; 1♂ Canningvale via Warwick, 13.i.1993, R. Eastwood ; 1♂ same data as previous, 6.ii.1993; 1♀ AU.QL.LBW, nr Lake Broadwater, 27°18.846’S 151°5.962’E, 357 m, 10.i.2002, Cooley, Hill, Marshall, Cowan & Moulds ; 2♂ 1♀ foot of Blackbutt Rg., 13 km E. of Blackbutt, 26°53.34’S 152°12.88’E, 9.i.2002, Cooley, Cowan, Hill, Marshall ; 1♀ S. Gympie, 23.xi.1986, R. Eastwood; 1♂ AU.QL. SUN, Sundown N.P., E. of Texas, 28°55.184’S 151°34.9’E, 385 m, 4.i.2009, Hill, Marshall, Moulds, Owen; 1♂ AU.QL.TXN, ~ 28 km S. of Inglewood, 28°40.369’S 151°8.958’E, 347 m, 3.i.2009, Hill, Marshall, Moulds, Owen ; 3♂ Wildash, Warwick, 14.i.1993, R. Eastwood ; 1♂ same data as previous, 20.ii.1995; 1♂ same data as previous, 22.ii.1995; 1♂ same data as previous, 9.xii.1994; 1♂ Blackbutt, 21.i.1989, R. Eastwood ; 1♂ Connolly Dam, Warwick, 10.i.1990, R. Eastwood ; 1♂ Queensland University, St Lucia, Brisbane, 27°30’S 153°06’E, 29.ii.1998, G. Daniels ; 1♂ Capalaba, Brisbane, 8 Jan 2002, Cooley, Cowan, Hill, Marshall, Moss, Moulds; (MSM); NEW SOUTH WALES : 1♂ Australia, N.S.W., Oaky Hill via Legume, 1.xi.2003, L. Popple, R. MacSloy, 231-0021 ; 1♂ Australia NSW, 4 km SSE. of Stannum, 4.i.2016, SL 100704, L. W. Popple, Recorded, 29.35249°S 151.803142°E, 231-0040 (both LWP) ; 3♂ Tamworth NSW, 16.i.1992, M. Coombs, 1 M Inverell NSW, 4.ii.1995, M. Coombs (all MC) ; 4♂ 1♀ Warrumbungle NPk, 31°29.22’S, 149°00.76’E, 420m, 16.ii.15, N. & D. Emery ; 1♂ Whitegum Lookout, Warrumbungle NPk, 31°18.14’S, 149°02.05’E, 680 m, 12.i.14, C. & D. Emery ; 1♂ Spring Ridge, 31°39.11’S ; 150°25.48’E, 15.ii.15, N. & D. Emery; 1♂ 64 km E Ebor, 30°04.08’S, 152°38.08’E, 654m, 4.i.13, N., C. & D. Emery ; 2♂ 1♀ Killarney Gap, nr Bingara, 30°08.12’S, 150°04.33’E, 600m, 02.xii.13, N., C. & D. Emery (all DE) ; 5♂ 1♀ NSW.MRE, 50km S. of Moree, N.S.W., 29°53.0’S 149°47.3’E, 1.i.2004, Cooley, Hill, Marshall, Moulds; 1♂ same data as previous, VOUCHER 04. NSW.MRE.14, T. oldfieldi; 1♂ AU.NSW.INX ~ 15km E. of Delungra, N.S.W., 29°43.837’S 150°56.804’E, 700m, 1.i.2005, Hill, Marshall, Moulds; 1♀ AU.NSW.INW, C. 19km E. of Delungra, N.S.W., 29°44.097’S 150°59.147’E, 707m, 1.i.2005, Hill, Marshall, Moulds; 1♂ same data as previous, VOUCHER: SIMON LAB 05.AU .NSW.INW.02, Cicadetta oldfieldi; 1♂ AU. NSW.ROP, c. 3km W of Warialda, N.S.W, 29°33.076’S 150°35.263’E, 591m, 1.i.2005, Hill, Marshall, Moulds ; 6♂ 11 km N. of Baradine, 1.i.1974, M.S. & B.J. Moulds ; 2♂ 3♀ Afterlee near Kyogle, 10.i.1975, M.S. & B.J. Moulds ; 1♂ Inverell, 2.i.1985, M.S. & B.J. Moulds ; 1 ♂ Kyogle, 7.i.1985, W. Rixon (MSM).

Etymology. Named after Mr Robert MacSloy of Alexandra Hills, Queensland. Mr MacSloy is one of only a small number of people who have the ability to recognise cicada species from their calls, and he has used this skill to contribute extensively to the current knowledge of the distributions and seasonality of cicadas over many years, particularly in south-east Queensland.

Diagnosis (Plate 1C, 1D; Figs 2 B, 8A, 9A).

Male and female specimens match the description given for E. oldfieldi, though with some differences, as follows. Ventral surface of head mostly green to pale yellow-brown; postclypeus green, often with some dark brown coloration along midline; anteclypeus green to pale brown; rostrum pale brown anteriorly, becoming brown to dark brown towards apex. Dorsal surface of head green to olive-brown with a black band extending between the eyes and surrounding the interior margins of ocelli, though not extending to anterior margin; ocelli pink. Eyes deep red in living specimens, faded to brown in preserved specimens. Antennae dark brown, paler towards apex. Thorax green, sometimes fading to olive in dried specimens. Pronotum green with a thin, brown midline extending from the back of the head. Mesonotum green to olive-brown; midline broad, brown to pale brown, with lateral edges distinctly yellow; submedian sigilla darker than midline, brown to dark brown and typically darkest along parapsidal sutures; lateral sigilla green to olive-brown, sometimes indistinct. Legs with coxae and femora green or olive brown; tibia olive to pale brown; tarsi pale brown, becoming darker brown towards apex of claws. Wings with fore wing costal veins pale green to pale brown; pterostigma light brown. Hind wing veins pale brown or light green, becoming darker on posterior side of apical cells. Abdomen with tergites green or faded to olive-green; midline approximately 1 mm wide, brown, bordered by pale brown or yellow. Sternites pale green to yellow brown. Female abdominal segment 9 green, with a brown midline; ovipositor sheath extends approximately 1 mm beyond the termination of abdominal segment 9.

Measurements. N= 26♂ 8♀. Means and ranges (in parentheses), mm; BL: ♂ 17.1 (15.3–18.6), ♀ 21.4 (19.9– 23.1); FWL: ♂ 22.2 (19.3–25.9), ♀ 25.7 (23.7–26.5); FWW: ♂ 7.5 (6.8–8.0), ♀ 8.6 (8.2–9.0); HW: ♂ 6.1 (5.3– 7.0), ♀ 6.8 (6.4–7.0); PW: ♂ 5.2 (4.5–6.2), ♀ 5.9 (5.6–6.3); AW: ♂ 5.2 (4.8–5.8), ♀ 5.7 (5.3–6.0).

Distinguishing features. Ewartia roberti n. sp. has a conspicuous, brown stripe medially along the dorsum, which extends from the proximal edge of the pronotum posteriorly to the apex of the abdomen. The stripe is distinctly narrow on the pronotum and to some extent along the abdomen, but is contrastingly broad on the mesonotum. This feature distinguishes it readily from E. brevis, E. carina n. sp. and E. cuensis . A similar stripe is also present in E. etesia n. sp., E. lapidosa n. sp., E. oldfieldi and E. thamna n. sp.; however, its presentation in E. roberti n. sp. is subtly unique. In E. roberti n. sp., the stripe is narrower than the distance between the inner margins of the lateral ocelli. This distinguishes it from both E. oldfieldi and E. lapidosa n. sp., in which the stripe is conspicuously broader than the distance between the lateral ocelli, and most conspicuously broader at the anterior margin of the pronotum (compare Figs 2 A, 2B, 2C). It also distinguishes it from E. etesia n. sp., in which the stripe is equal to or broader than the distance between the inner margins of the lateral ocelli (Figure 2 D). In E. roberti n. sp., the black colouration on the dorsal side of the head is extensive, and, in particular, it surrounds the lateral ocelli. This distinguishes it from E. thamna n. sp., which has no black colouration on the dorsal side of the head. In addition, females of E. roberti n. sp. can be distinguished from E. oldfieldi and E. etesia n. sp. by their short ovipositor length, which extends <1 mm beyond the apex of abdominal segment 9. In E. oldfieldi, this extends 2.0– 2.5 mm, and in E. etesia n. sp., it extends approximately 3 mm.

Distribution and habitat. This species occurs from near Monto and Isla Gorge in south-east Queensland south to near Macksville, Spring Ridge and the Warrumbungle National Park in northern New South Wales (Fig. 10). Adults are present from late August until April. It occurs in association with various wattles ( Acacia spp.) in dry sclerophyll forests, heathlands and also in urban environments, including road verges. Acacia fimbriata is a major adult food plant in Brisbane. In Brisbane Forest Park, A. glaucocarpa is inhabited. In the inland, specimens have been collected from A. spectabilis . Other wattle species with small phyllodes tend to be favoured. Acacias with large, fleshy phyllodes (e.g. A. concurrens), are only utilised occasionally. In most seasons, E. roberti n. sp. is a common species throughout its range. Local congregations of singing males are often prominently scattered throughout areas of suitable habitat. Adults are active from Late August or September to May, being most common from October to February.

This species overlaps in geographical distribution with E. oldfieldi and E. lapidosa n. sp., and sometimes occurs in sympatry with each of these taxa.

Calling song. The complex calling song mode of E. roberti n. sp. (Figs 11–13) contains repeated, exceptionally long subphrases (25.3– 36.6 s duration; all statistics n = 70 recordings). Each subphrase is composed of a long series of discrete macrosyllables (each 2–5 syllables, 0.029– 0.080 s duration), each separated by a (typically increasing) set of 1–5 discrete syllables (each 11–13 ms duration, gaps 0.053– 0.092 s duration), which is then followed by series of 3–4 echemes of increasing duration (0.107– 0.441 s), each punctuated by syllable sequences of decreasing duration (each between 0.337 and 1.234 s, containing intersyllable gaps of 0.009– 0.045 s duration), a climatic echeme (0.296– 2.351 s duration) and, finally, a long syllable sequence (4.416– 7.407 s duration, with intersyllable gaps of 0.031– 0.084 s duration). An accentuation then follows the syllable sequence at the end of most subphrases. This comprises typically 3–4 macrosyllables (each containing 2–5 syllables), each separated either by a syllable sequence (1–5 syllables, with intersyllable gaps of 0.031– 0.086 s duration) or, more rarely, an uninterrupted gap (0.142– 0.201 s), and followed by a final gap (0.123– 0.155 s duration). This calling song mode is typically produced at intervals throughout the day.

The simple calling song mode of this species (Fig. 14) contains monotonously repeated phrases (0.3– 1.1 s duration). Each phrase typically contains a single echeme (0.25– 1.07 s duration) followed by a gap (0.053– 0.118 s duration); however, as the call progresses, the long echemes may be preceded by 1–2 discrete syllables or macrosyllables (each 0.011– 0.062 s duration), each followed by gaps (0.026– 0.064 s duration). This calling song mode predominates at dusk and is also produced occasionally at intervals during the day.

The presentation of the frequency spectra does not change between song modes. In each mode the calling song typically has a highest amplitude frequency plateau between 10.0 and 14.5 kHz, with a dominant frequency between 11.3 and 13.5 kHz (mean=12.3, n =22; e.g. Fig. 7 B).

The structure of the calling song of E. roberti n. sp. is remarkably consistent across its wide distribution. The echeme, syllable sequence and subphrase durations do exhibit some variation, but this variation appears to be present within and among individuals in the broader population, without exhibiting any clear spatial pattern. Much of this variation considered likely to be at least partly temperature dependent.