Bladder Cicada vs Thistle Lace Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Bladder Cicada Thistle Lace Bug
Scientific Name Cystosoma saundersii Tingis cardui
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Cicadidae Tingidae
Size 45-55 mm 3-4 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Farmland
Diet Sap Feeders Herbivores
Regions Australia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Bladder Cicada

An Australian cicada with a remarkably inflated translucent green abdomen in males. The hollow abdomen acts as a resonating chamber for its call.

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Did You Know?

The male's abdomen is almost entirely hollow and balloon-like, functioning as a living loudspeaker.

Thistle Lace Bug

A small, beautifully structured lace bug found on creeping thistle. Wings have an intricate latticed pattern. Causes yellowing and stippling of thistle leaves.

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Did You Know?

The extraordinary wing structure is so delicate and ornate that it inspired Victorian microscopists.