Amphipsalta zelandica

Chorus cicada
A chorus cicada, Amphipsalta zelandica, sitting on a white rock face
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Hemiptera
Suborder:	Auchenorrhyncha
Infraorder:	Cicadomorpha
Superfamily:	Cicadoidea
Family:	Cicadidae
Genus:	Amphipsalta
Species:	A. zelandica
Binomial name
Amphipsalta zelandica (Boisduval, 1835)

The chorus cicada, Amphipsalta zelandica, is the most common species of cicada in New Zealand where it is endemic and found in most areas. They typically live in forests and areas with open bush, where their left-over nymph skins can be seen on tree trunks and branches during the summer months. The males produce their cicada sound in unison, which can reach deafening proportions at the height of their population around February. Groups of cicada can suddenly transition from the typical cicada sound to synchronised clicks, using their wings to clap against the surface they are sitting on.

Chorus cicada grow to over 2 cm of body length and a wing span of over 6 cm. Their bodies are irregularly striped in green and black.

• Sound made when handled