About Henicopsaltria eydouxii (Guérin-Méneville, 1838)
Commonly called the razor grinder, Henicopsaltria eydouxii is a large cicada species. Its forewings measure 50–55 mm (2.0–2.2 in) long. Males and females share similar coloration and markings. The head and thorax are red-brown with black markings, and the wings are transparent with areas of brown discoloration. The mating call produced by males lasts a few seconds, increases in volume, stops suddenly, then restarts suddenly. Typically, razor grinders feed silently through the afternoon, and groups call at maximum volume around dusk. A secondary population known as the laughing razor grinder is only found in rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest, and produces a distinct call. When seized by a predator, razor grinders can also emit a fragmented, irregular distress call. This species is found along the east coast of Australia, ranging from Gladstone in Central Queensland south to Narooma in southern New South Wales, and generally occurs below 500 m (550 yd) elevation. Its range extends inland to Toowoomba, Inverell, Tamworth, and the Capertee Valley. It is common in Brisbane and uncommon in Sydney, and also has an isolated population in Cathu State Forest. Razor grinders inhabit dry or wet sclerophyll forest, or rainforest margins. They are most visible during December and January, and sometimes appear as early as November in certain years.
