Black Prince Cicada vs Streamlined Backswimmer

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black Prince Cicada Streamlined Backswimmer
Scientific Name Psaltoda plaga Notonecta irrorata
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Cicadidae Notonectidae
Size 35-45 mm 10-13 mm
Habitat Woodlands Ponds & Lakes
Diet Sap Feeders Omnivores
Regions Australia North America
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.

💡

Did You Know?

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

Streamlined Backswimmer

A pale backswimmer with mottled wings found in still and slow-moving waters across North America. Like other backswimmers, it hangs just below the water surface film waiting for prey vibrations. It is a strong underwater swimmer.

💡

Did You Know?

It senses prey by detecting surface water vibrations with specialized sensory hairs on its legs, effectively turning the water surface into a detection web.