American Burying Beetle vs African Screaming Cicada

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute American Burying Beetle African Screaming Cicada
Scientific Name Nicrophorus americanus Brevisana brevis
Order Coleoptera Hemiptera
Family Silphidae Cicadidae
Size 25-35 mm 20-30 mm body
Habitat Grasslands Grasslands
Diet Carrion Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions North America Africa
Conservation Threatened Least Concern

American Burying Beetle

The largest carrion beetle in North America, once widespread but now reduced to less than 10% of its historic range. Both parents cooperate in burying small animal carcasses for their larvae.

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Did You Know?

Burying beetle parents are among the most devoted insect parents — both mother and father feed their larvae pre-digested carrion, respond to begging calls, and defend the brood.

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.