African Scoliid Wasp vs Cascade Cicada

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Scoliid Wasp Cascade Cicada
Scientific Name Megascolia vittata Platypedia areolata
Order Hymenoptera Hemiptera
Family Scoliidae Cicadidae
Size 30-45 mm 18-24 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Nectar Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions Sub-Saharan Africa North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

African Scoliid Wasp

A very large black and yellow-banded scoliid wasp from sub-Saharan Africa. It parasitizes goliath beetle and other large scarab beetle larvae in forest soils.

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Did You Know?

It targets some of the largest beetle grubs on Earth, including those of goliath beetles weighing over 100 grams.

Cascade Cicada

A small western North American cicada that produces sound by wing-flicking rather than typical tymbals. It is found in mountainous conifer forests.

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Did You Know?

Instead of the typical buzzing song, it communicates by rapidly clicking its wings against branches.