African Screaming Cicada vs Meat Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | African Screaming Cicada | Meat Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Brevisana brevis | Iridomyrmex purpureus |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Cicadidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 20-30 mm body | 6-10 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Carrion Feeders |
| Regions | Africa | Australia |
| 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.
Meat Ant
A large iridescent blue-black ant that is one of Australia's most dominant and ecologically important ant species. It builds large gravel-covered mound nests in open areas.
Did You Know?
Aboriginal Australians traditionally placed deceased on meat ant nests to allow the ants to clean the bones for burial rituals.