African Cicada vs Javanese Leaf Insect
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | African Cicada | Javanese Leaf Insect |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Platypleura hirtipennis | Phyllium bioculatum |
| Order | Hemiptera | Phasmatodea |
| Family | Cicadidae | Phylliidae |
| Size | 35-50 mm body length | 60-90 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia) | Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
African Cicada
A large cicada with brownish wings and a stout body. Males produce a deafening chorus using specialized tymbal organs on the abdomen during the hot hours of the day.
Did You Know?
The sound of a cicada chorus can reach over 100 decibels, making them among the loudest insects in the world.
Javanese Leaf Insect
A remarkable leaf mimic with a broad, flat green body, complete with realistic leaf veins, midrib, and even fake bite marks. It is the most well-known leaf insect species.
Did You Know?
Even the walking motion of leaf insects mimics a leaf tumbling in the wind, with each step accompanied by a gentle rocking of the body.