Cactus Dodger Cicada vs Sand Dune Scarab
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cactus Dodger Cicada | Sand Dune Scarab |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cacama valvata | Pseudocotalpa andrewsi |
| Order | Hemiptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Cicadidae | Scarabaeidae |
| Size | 25-35 mm | 15-22 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Root Feeders |
| Regions | North America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Did You Know?
Its dark coloring helps it warm up quickly in the cool desert mornings so it can begin calling earlier.
Sand Dune Scarab
A metallic golden-green scarab beetle found only on desert sand dunes. Adults emerge briefly after rains to feed and mate.
Did You Know?
It can burrow into loose sand in seconds using its broad, shovel-like forelegs.