African Screaming Cicada vs Saratoga Spittlebug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Screaming Cicada Saratoga Spittlebug
Scientific Name Brevisana brevis Aphrophora saratogensis
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Cicadidae Aphrophoridae
Size 20-30 mm body 8-11 mm
Habitat Grasslands Farmland
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.

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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.

Saratoga Spittlebug

A spittlebug that is a serious pest of young red pine plantations in North America. Its feeding causes branch dieback and tree mortality.

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Did You Know?

Outbreaks in pine plantations have killed thousands of young trees, making it a significant forestry pest.