Black Cicada vs Emerald Ash Borer
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Black Cicada | Emerald Ash Borer |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Maoricicada nigra | Agrilus planipennis |
| Order | Hemiptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Cicadidae | Buprestidae |
| Size | 18-25 mm | 8-14 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Forests |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand - South Island) | Asia, North America (invasive) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Black Cicada
A striking all-black alpine cicada endemic to the mountains of the South Island of New Zealand. Its dark colouration helps it absorb heat in cool alpine environments. It produces a distinctive high-pitched buzzing call.
Did You Know?
This cicada's black body acts as a solar panel, allowing it to warm up quickly in the cold alpine air to reach the body temperature needed for flight.
Emerald Ash Borer
One of the most destructive invasive insects in North America. Native to Asia, it has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees since its detection in Michigan in 2002.
Did You Know?
The emerald ash borer has killed over 100 million ash trees in North America — the economic damage exceeds $10 billion and threatens to eliminate an entire tree genus.