Black Cicada vs Rice Stink Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Black Cicada | Rice Stink Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Maoricicada nigra | Oebalus pugnax |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Cicadidae | Pentatomidae |
| Size | 18-25 mm | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Wetlands |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Seed Feeders |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand - South Island) | North America, Central America |
| 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.
Rice Stink Bug
A slender, straw-colored stink bug that is the most damaging hemipteran pest of rice in the Americas. It feeds on developing rice grains, causing 'pecky rice' that is discolored and unmarketable.
Did You Know?
Feeding punctures allow fungi to enter developing rice grains, creating dark spots that cause entire harvests to be downgraded.