Abisara echerius vs Black Cicada

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Abisara echerius Black Cicada
Scientific Name Abisara echerius Maoricicada nigra
Order Lepidoptera Hemiptera
Family Riodinidae Cicadidae
Size 40-50 mm wingspan 18-25 mm
Habitat Forests Mountains
Diet Sap Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions South Asia, Southeast Asia Oceania (New Zealand - South Island)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Abisara echerius

Dark brown butterfly with purple sheen and a short tail on each hindwing. One of the few Asian riodinids, commonly called the Plum Judy.

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Did You Know?

It is one of only a handful of metalmark species found outside of the Americas.

Black Cicada

A striking all-black alpine cicada endemic to the mountains of the South Island of New Zealand. Its dark colouration helps it absorb heat in cool alpine environments. It produces a distinctive high-pitched buzzing call.

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Did You Know?

This cicada's black body acts as a solar panel, allowing it to warm up quickly in the cold alpine air to reach the body temperature needed for flight.