African Screaming Cicada vs Common Pond Skater
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | African Screaming Cicada | Common Pond Skater |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Brevisana brevis | Aquarius najas |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Cicadidae | Gerridae |
| Size | 20-30 mm body | 14-17 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Africa | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
African Screaming Cicada
The loudest insect ever recorded, producing calls at 106.7 decibels measured at 50 cm — louder than a chainsaw. Males call to attract females from great distances.
Did You Know?
At 106.7 decibels, the African screaming cicada is louder than a rock concert and can cause hearing damage to humans standing nearby for prolonged periods.
Common Pond Skater
A large, elongate water strider that glides across the surface of flowing rivers and large ponds. It is one of the biggest European gerrid species with a dark brown body.
Did You Know?
Pond skaters communicate with potential mates and rivals by generating specific ripple patterns on the water surface, essentially sending coded messages across the water.