African Screaming Cicada vs Compass Termite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | African Screaming Cicada | Compass Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Brevisana brevis | Amitermes laurensis |
| Order | Hemiptera | Blattodea |
| Family | Cicadidae | Termitidae |
| Size | 20-30 mm body | 4-6mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Africa | Oceania |
| 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.
Compass Termite
A termite that builds wedge-shaped mounds oriented east-west, exposing the broad face to the morning and evening sun. This orientation helps regulate internal temperature. Mounds dot the Cape York landscape.
Did You Know?
Its mound orientation is the opposite of the magnetic termite, with the broad face pointing east-west.