Genus Birrima (Goding and Froggatt, 1904) (Tree-tickers)
This genus contains two described species, both from eastern Australia. They are allied to species of Cicadetta group IX, but males of Birrima are easily distinguished by the presence of large, round, drum-like operculae. Females are more difficult to identify, but some further information can be found in Moulds (1990).
Distribution of the genus Birrima
Index to Genus Birrima
| Birrima castanea | Black Tree-ticker |
| Birrima sp. nr varians | Burnett Tree-ticker |
| Birrima varians | Red Tree-ticker |
Red Tree-ticker Birrima castanea (Goding and Froggatt, 1904)
Male
Female
Appearance: Males are easily identified by the large rounded, drum-like timbal covers, which are red.
Size: Forewing length: 25-34mm.
Range and Season: From Cooloola National Park in Queensland south to Avoca Beach north of Sydney in New South Wales. It does not occur in the suburbs of Brisbane; however, it is present on most of the surrounding mountains. Adults occur from September to February.
Habits: Populations occur in both montane and coastal sub-tropical rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest. Individuals are very active and fly continuously, but will rest on large trees and occasionally on houses. It seems to be associated primarily with smooth-barked eucalypts such as E. pilularis and E. grandis.
Song: Repeated "ziiiiiiiiiiiit" phrases emitted whilst in flight.
Oscillogram of calling song
Black Tree-ticker Birrima varians (Germar, 1834)
Male
Female
Appearance: The male operculae are large, round, drum-like and coloured black.
Size: Forewing length: 24-32mm.
Range and Season: From the Bunya Mountains, Toowoomba and coastal districts, including the sunshine coast and suburban Brisbane in Queensland, south to Grafton, Glenn Innes and Armidale in New South Wales. Adults occur from August to March or even May in some seasons.
Habits: Males are active fliers in dry sclerophyll forests and suburban parklands. Females rest on eucalypt trees and saplings and occasionally even on fence posts.
Song: A repeated series of nasal phrases "quack quack quack quack" produced just prior to take-off and whilst in flight.
Oscillogram of calling song
Burnett Tree-ticker Birrima sp. nr varians
Appearance: Identical to B. varians. Identified by its calling song.
Size: Forewing length: 24-32mm.
Range and Season: Central and south-east Queensland, from Rockhampton and the Blackdown Tableland, south through Eidsvold, Childers to Gympie, Nambour and further to Somerset Dam north of Esk. There is also an isolated population in north Queensland on the Atherton Tableland between Carrington and Walkamin. Late August to March.
Habits: Occurs in eucalypt woodland, primarily on the Forest Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis), growing on alluvial plains. Males fly actively and call in a similar fashion to other species of Birrima.
Song: A simple repeated, alternating short-long, phrases; these are shorter and produced at a faster rate than in B. varians. The calling song has the same structure throughout the range of the species.