This is a small Cicada with a body that is about 18 mm length, generally black with some blackish pattern on the mesonotum. Their fore wings have 2-3 black patches and the femur 3 has 3-4 spines, with the basal being longer.

They emit a characteristic and audible song at a distance, being one of the few species that sings with the axis of the body directed towards the ground (looking down).

They are found in different types of wooded and scrubland habitats, especially in deciduous and riparian forests, as well as in urban parks and gardens.

In France they are restricted to the Mediterranean regions and Provence and peak adult activity is in June - July and to some extent in August.

To litsen there are some sound files HERE