Psaltoda moerens
Redeye cicada at Watson, ACT
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| Psaltoda moerens | lpopple | 13 Jan 2021 | |
| Unverified | MPW | 12 Jan 2021 |
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User's notes
The image shows Cicada Instar Exoskeleton "ghosts". However what myself and co-observer Waltraud are MORE INTERESTED IN, are Not the Cicada Instars perse, but the "Mysterious" white powdery 'ET' "Footprint" markings on the Gum bark, also shown in the images. These white symmetrical "prints" were present on the trunk of this Scribbly gum ( ? most likely Gum species). The parallel Trails of white spots start at base of the tree and continue far up into higher branches. The spots are Dry and powdery : my suggestion is possibly ? Scale Insect related , or Fungal / Mildew ? but this is just a guess. These white markings were Not present on any other nearby trees.
7 comments
14 Jan 2021
WOW ! That's really amazing that you can ID the Cicada species just from the Exoskeleton instar remains. I'm really impressed ! since there are Multiple species occurring in ACT. RE the other material visible in the images, ie the "ET white footsteps" I mentioned previously, does ANYONE (else) have any suggestions what they may be ? Thanks a LOT.
14 Jan 2021
Mmmmmm, this looks v much like the Eriococcidae sp. that have been found on Eucalyptus blakelyi (which this tree could be, I can't tell from photos). I'm not sure whether this species has been found on any other species of eucalypt but the photos match those already on CNM . 'Eriococcidae sp' is a kind of scale insect. https://canberra.naturemapr.org/species/45885
If you'd rather this record is confirmed as the scale insect then one of the moderators/administrators can move it into that category for you, although you might have to ask them first. Hope this helps :).
If you'd rather this record is confirmed as the scale insect then one of the moderators/administrators can move it into that category for you, although you might have to ask them first. Hope this helps :).
14 Jan 2021
Hi TapirLord, Thanks for your prompt response. That's interesting, yes I had considered 'scale insects'. This tree could be an
E. blakelyi, both me and Waltraud thought it was a little atypical. Can go back to double check this (tree). Its up to CNM administrators to make a decision, where / how to categorise these images : if possible ? under Both the Cicada AND the Eriococcidae, if CNM system allows that ? Regards, Max.
E. blakelyi, both me and Waltraud thought it was a little atypical. Can go back to double check this (tree). Its up to CNM administrators to make a decision, where / how to categorise these images : if possible ? under Both the Cicada AND the Eriococcidae, if CNM system allows that ? Regards, Max.
14 Jan 2021
The tree is a E blakelyi - I think I told you, Max? I mentioned that gum trees have smooth bark and box trees rough bark to various degree and that the E blakelyi trees sometimes stock some of the old bark at the bottom of the trunk as this specimen has.
15 Jan 2021
My suggestion would be to submit the image a second time but suggest the scale insect rather than putting it into all unidentified insects. The tree being E.blakelyi makes more sense given the previous records. Cheers.
15 Jan 2021
Hi, The scale is Eriococcidae sp. on Eucalyptus blakelyi, which has been very prevalent this year. I've noted that it is now 'dying' and falling off the affected trees.
16 Jan 2021
Max, could you please reload pics and suggest Eriococcidae sp. on Eucalyptus blakelyi? I'll confirm.
Ta. w
Ta. w
Location information
- Coordinates 149.169207-35.226829
- Maps The Fair, Watson
- Places Watson, ACT
Sighting information
- 3 Abundance
- 11 Jan 2021 11:40 AM Recorded on
- MPW Recorded by
- Scribbly Gum Associated plant
- Possibly ? Unknown. "ET" Associated animal
- 25mm to 50mm Animal size
- Unknown Gender
Collections
- MPW Canberra & Southern Tablelands NatureMapr Psaltoda moerens Cicadas (Hemiptera, Cicadoidea) Insects
Species information
- Psaltoda moerens Scientific name
- Redeye cicada Common name
- Not Sensitive
- Local native
- Non-invasive or negligible
- Up to 1057m Recorded at altitude
- External link More information
Record quality
Quality score
5 / 7
- Images or audio
- More than one media file
- Verified by an expert moderator
- Description
- Additional attributes
- Nearby sighting(s) of same species
- GPS evidence of location