Cactus Dodger Cicada vs Arizona Unicorn Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Cactus Dodger Cicada

A robust desert cicada that feeds on native desert shrubs in the American Southwest. Males produce a distinctive buzzing call in the hottest hours.

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Its dark coloring helps it warm up quickly in the cool desert mornings so it can begin calling earlier.

A bark-mimicking mantis found in desert scrublands of the American Southwest. A small horn on its head gives it its common name.

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Its rough, bark-like body texture makes it nearly invisible when clinging to a desert shrub branch.