Genus Burbunga Distant, 1905 (Bark Cicadas)
Seven described species are currently included in this genus. Only one of these is found in central eastern Australia, along with a related sibling species. The other six are confined to the western half of the continent. Two species presently in the genus Macrotristria will be placed in Burbunga in the near future (Moulds, in prep.). Both occur in arid Australia; one is illustrated below. The genus Burbunga is allied to Henicopsaltria. Burbunga can be distinguished by the round opercula of male specimens and a distinct area of white pubescence on Tergite 8 (in fresh specimens). Species in this genus are typically asssociated with dry environments away from the coast.
Distribution of the genus Burbunga
Index to Genus Burbunga
| Burbunga queenslandica | Desert Screamer | Queensland Bark Cicada |
| Burbunga sp. nr queenslandica | Macrotristria hillieri | Sandplain Bark Cicada |
Queensland Bark Cicada Burbunga queenslandica Moulds, 1994
Male
Female
TNS: 026.
Naming: This species is referred to as B. gilmorei in Moulds (1990). B. gilmorei is a separate species from Western Australia (Moulds, 1994).
Size: Forewing length: 20-26mm.
Range and Season: South from near Proserpine in Queensland to Broke in New South Wales and extending well into the west of both states. Adults are present from October to March.
Habits: Populations occur in dry open woodlands Adults prefer to sit in bark furrows in ironbarks or other dark-barked trees, where they tend to be sedentary and camouflage well. Dry open woodlands are the most frequented habitat and singing males tend to be scattered throughout this environment.
Song: A monotonous, loud buzz. It can be emitted for long periods at any time of day.
Oscillogram of calling song
Mareeba Bark Cicada Burbunga sp. nr queenslandica
Appearance: Like B. queenslandica, but smaller.
TNS: 023.
Size: Forewing length: 18-24mm.
Range and Season: Dryer parts of the Wet Tropics of north-eastern Queensland from Mount Carbine south to near Walkamin and possibly further south to Mt Garnet (J. Olive). Adults occur from December to January.
Habits: A fairly sedentary cicada in shrubs amongst grassland and open woodland.
Song: Resembles B. queenslandica, but is higher pitched in the dominant frequencies.
Sandplain Bark Cicada Burbunga sp. aff queenslandica
Male (above), Female (below)
TNS: 025.
Size: Forewing length: 21-24mm.
Range and Season: Inland Queensland from the Charleville district east to near Inglewood. November to February.
Habits: A fairly sedentary cicada in open sandplain country. Populations are somewhat localised.
Song: Resembles B. queenslandica, but is emitted in short bursts rather than being a continuous buzz.
Desert Screamer Macrotristria hillieri Distant, 1907
Male
TNS: 032.
Appearance: Similar to a large Burbunga queenslandica, but very dark. The wings are clear except for a very faint infuscation near the tip of the forewing.
Size: Forewing length: 41-49mm.
Range and Season: Throughout inland Australia in western Queensland and New South Wales, the north-western edge of Victoria, the north-eastern half of South Australia, southern half of the Northern Territory and central Western Australia including the coast. In Queensland and New South Wales it occurs east to Duaringa, Mitchell, Eulo and Cobar. It occurs from September (NT) or late October (elsewhere) to March.
Habits: Populations occur in acacia scrub including Gidgee (Acacia cambagei), Mulga (A. aneura) and Ironwood (A. excelsa), as well as small shrubs in sparsely treed deserts. Adults are cryptic against the bark and tend to sit still rather than fly away.
Song: A continuous, grating scream that occurs for long periods during the heat of the day and at dusk.