African Bat Bug vs Lyric Cicada

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Bat Bug Lyric Cicada
Scientific Name Afrocimex constrictus Neotibicen lyricen
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Cimicidae Cicadidae
Size 3-5 mm 30-38 mm
Habitat Caves Woodlands
Diet Parasites Sap Feeders
Regions East Africa Eastern and Southeastern United States
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

African Bat Bug

A cimicid ectoparasite found on bats in East African caves. It is notable for its unusual mating system involving traumatic insemination.

💡

Did You Know?

Both males and females possess a defensive organ to mitigate injury from traumatic insemination.

Lyric Cicada

A medium-large cicada with a lyre-shaped marking on the dorsal thorax that gives it its name. Its call is a continuous, high-pitched whine heard from mid-summer into early fall.

💡

Did You Know?

The name 'lyricen' refers to the lyre-shaped pattern on its mesonotum, visible when viewed from above.