Black-kneed Capsid vs Clapping Cicada
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Black-kneed Capsid | Clapping Cicada |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Blepharidopterus angulatus | Amphipsalta cingulata |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Miridae | Cicadidae |
| Size | 5-6 mm | 22-30 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Forests |
| Diet | Predators | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Oceania (New Zealand) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Black-kneed Capsid
A slender, pale green mirid bug with distinctive black knee joints. It is a beneficial predator found in European apple orchards where it feeds on red spider mites. It is one of the most important natural enemies of fruit tree red spider mite.
Did You Know?
A single individual can consume over 100 spider mites per day, making it so effective that some orchardists manage their spraying programs to conserve this natural predator.
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.