African Screaming Cicada vs Desert Clastoptera

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Screaming Cicada Desert Clastoptera
Scientific Name Brevisana brevis Clastoptera arizonana
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Cicadidae Clastopteridae
Size 20-30 mm body 4-6 mm
Habitat Grasslands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Sap Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions Africa North America
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.

Desert Clastoptera

A tiny spittlebug found on desert shrubs in the American Southwest. Nymphs surround themselves with a frothy mass for moisture and protection.

💡

Did You Know?

The frothy spittle covering its nymphs provides insulation from extreme desert temperatures.