Broad-Shouldered Water Strider vs Amazonian Cicada

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Broad-Shouldered Water Strider Amazonian Cicada
Scientific Name Microvelia americana Fidicina mannifera
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Veliidae Cicadidae
Size 1.5-2.5 mm 50-70 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Forests
Diet Omnivores Sap Feeders
Regions North America, Central America, South America Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Broad-Shouldered Water Strider

A tiny water strider relative that walks on the surface of ponds and puddles. It is widespread across the Americas on still freshwater.

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Did You Know?

At barely 2 mm long, it is so small that it can walk on water trapped in a single hoofprint.

Amazonian Cicada

A large green and brown cicada with a powerful buzzing call that echoes through the Amazonian canopy. Males produce sound using specialized tymbals on the abdomen.

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Did You Know?

Its call can exceed 100 decibels at close range, making it one of the loudest insects in the Amazon.