Black Prince Cicada vs Lesser Water Boatman

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black Prince Cicada Lesser Water Boatman
Scientific Name Psaltoda plaga Sigara striata
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Cicadidae Corixidae
Size 35-45 mm 6-8 mm
Habitat Woodlands Ponds & Lakes
Diet Sap Feeders Detritivores
Regions Australia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Black Prince Cicada

A prized Australian cicada with a jet-black body, popular among children who collect cicada shells. It is less common than the green grocer.

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Did You Know?

Australian children traditionally consider finding a Black Prince shell a prized achievement during summer.

Lesser Water Boatman

A small water boatman with fine dark striations across its forewings. It is among the most abundant aquatic insects in European standing waters. It feeds by scraping algae and organic material from submerged surfaces.

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Did You Know?

In Mexico, a related species' eggs are harvested in such quantities from lake surfaces that they are dried and sold as a traditional food called 'ahuautle,' once known as Mexican caviar.