Cactus Dodger Cicada vs Scissor Grinder Cicada
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cactus Dodger Cicada | Scissor Grinder Cicada |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cacama valvata | Neotibicen pruinosus |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Cicadidae | Cicadidae |
| Size | 25-35 mm | 33-40 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Wood 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.
Scissor Grinder Cicada
A large North American annual cicada with a buzzing call resembling a grinding wheel. Its body is coated in a whitish waxy pruinose layer.
Did You Know?
Its common name comes from the call's resemblance to the sound of a knife sharpener at work.