Black Cicada vs South African Alderfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Black Cicada | South African Alderfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Maoricicada nigra | Leptosialis africana |
| Order | Hemiptera | Megaloptera |
| Family | Cicadidae | Sialidae |
| Size | 18-25 mm | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Mountains |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand - South Island) | Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
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.
South African Alderfly
One of the few alderfly species found in the Southern Hemisphere, occurring in clean mountain streams of South Africa. Adults are small with dark wings.
Did You Know?
Southern Hemisphere alderflies are so rare and poorly studied that basic aspects of their biology remain unknown to science.