Cactus Dodger Cicada vs Texas Leafcutter Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cactus Dodger Cicada Texas Leafcutter Ant
Scientific Name Cacama valvata Atta texana
Order Hemiptera Hymenoptera
Family Cicadidae Formicidae
Size 25-35 mm 1.5-12 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Sap Feeders Fungus Feeders
Regions North America Southern United States, Northern Mexico
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

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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Did You Know?

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

Texas Leafcutter Ant

The northernmost leafcutter ant species, found in the southern United States. Nests can extend 6 meters deep and cover large underground areas.

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Did You Know?

Their underground nests can contain over 1,000 individual chambers connected by an intricate tunnel network.