Black Cicada vs Grandidier's Cicada
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Black Cicada | Grandidier's Cicada |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Maoricicada nigra | Yanga grandidieri |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Cicadidae | Cicadidae |
| Size | 18-25 mm | 40-55 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Forests |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand - South Island) | Madagascar |
| 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.
Grandidier's Cicada
A large, robust cicada with opaque brownish wings marked with darker infuscations and a broad pronotal collar. Males produce loud buzzing calls during the warm season.
Did You Know?
It was named after Alfred Grandidier, the famous French naturalist who extensively documented Madagascar's wildlife in the 19th century.