Big-legged Bug vs Dog-Day Cicada

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Big-legged Bug Dog-Day Cicada
Scientific Name Acanthocephala terminalis Neotibicen canicularis
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Coreidae Cicadidae
Size 17-23 mm 27-33 mm
Habitat Underground Woodlands
Diet Sap Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions Eastern North America Eastern and central North America from Canada to the Gulf states
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Big-legged Bug

A large, dark coreid bug found in eastern North America with prominently expanded hind tibiae. The hind femora of males are greatly swollen with large spines. It feeds on a wide variety of trees and shrubs.

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Did You Know?

The exaggerated hind legs of males serve as weapons and signals of fitness, with larger-legged males winning more fights and mates.

Dog-Day Cicada

A large green and black annual cicada that sings during the hottest days of summer. Its buzzing call is the quintessential sound of late summer in North America.

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Did You Know?

Its common name comes from its emergence during the 'dog days' of summer, the hottest period from July to August.