Birch Catkin Bug vs Clapping Cicada
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Birch Catkin Bug | Clapping Cicada |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Kleidocerys resedae | Amphipsalta cingulata |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Lygaeidae | Cicadidae |
| Size | 4-5 mm | 22-30 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Forests |
| Diet | Seed Feeders | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, northern Asia, North America | Oceania (New Zealand) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Birch Catkin Bug
A small, oval brown seed bug that feeds on birch and alder catkins. It is very common in northern Europe and can form large swarms in autumn. It sometimes enters buildings in large numbers seeking overwintering shelter.
Did You Know?
In autumn, enormous swarms of thousands can descend on buildings near birch trees, alarming homeowners despite the bugs being completely harmless.
Clapping Cicada
An endemic New Zealand cicada named for the sharp clapping sound it produces, distinct from the continuous drone of the chorus cicada. It is found in scrubland and forest edges. Males produce a rapid series of clicks that accelerate into a continuous buzz.
Did You Know?
The clapping cicada can produce clicks at a rate of over 300 per second, creating what sounds like a rapid drumroll.