Bear Cicada vs Tersa Sphinx Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Bear Cicada Tersa Sphinx Moth
Scientific Name Cryptotympana facialis Xylophanes tersa
Order Hemiptera Lepidoptera
Family Cicadidae Sphingidae
Size 55-65 mm 60-80 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Sap Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Japan, East Asia Southern United States, Central America, South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Bear Cicada

A large black cicada common throughout Japan, known locally as 'kuma-zemi.' It is one of the dominant summer-singing species in Japanese cities.

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Did You Know?

Its Japanese name 'kuma-zemi' means 'bear cicada' due to its large dark body.

Tersa Sphinx Moth

A sleek hawk moth with narrow, pointed forewings in lavender-gray with darker streaks. It is a fast and agile flier found throughout the Americas.

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Did You Know?

The tersa sphinx caterpillar has a series of large eyespots along its body that create a convincing snake-mimic appearance.