Clay Bank Cicada | Notopsalta

Clay Bank Cicada | Notopsalta sericea

This cicada is one of a kind: it is the only species in the Notopsalta (clay bank) genus.

This cicada looks similar to the Maoricicada (black cicada) genus, but it has longer wings relative to its body, and a brownish-grey colouring. The underside is generally pale with black markings. The males generally have a wingspan of 33–40 mm, while the females have a wingspan of 41–48 mm.

Sitting on a big leaf is a small Clay Bank cicada in front of a blurred pinkish blue background. Its veiny wings are closed and have a brown outline, they extend behind its body.

Clay Bank Cicada | Notopsalta sericea. Photo by Melvin Esson

Distribution and habitat
This cicada is found exclusively throughout the North Island but is more common in the lowland and coastal areas of the upper North Island.

A map of Aotearoa New Zealand with a blue background. The North Island is coloured green and the South Island and other islands are white.

Time of year

A table with two rows and 12 columns showing the months of the year. October to March are coloured green, the rest are white.

This species can be found from October to March. It is most active from November to January.

Song
“Zeeeee zit zit zit…” where the ‘zit’ is repeated many times.
This is a recording of the sound of a clay bank cicada. This audio contains loud and high-pitched chirping sounds, which get repeated very quickly. After five repeats, the tone lengthens.