Cassini Periodical Cicada vs Alpine Shield Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cassini Periodical Cicada Alpine Shield Bug
Scientific Name Magicicada cassini Carpocoris purpureipennis
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Cicadidae Pentatomidae
Size 24-28 mm 11-14 mm body length
Habitat Woodlands Meadows
Diet Sap Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions Eastern United States, overlapping with other Magicicada species Europe, Alps, Carpathians
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Cassini Periodical Cicada

A 17-year periodical cicada distinguished from related species by its all-black underside and distinctive buzzing call. It often emerges alongside M. septendecim in the same broods.

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Did You Know?

Its call sounds like a rapid series of ticks followed by a buzz, distinctly different from the pharaoh-like drone of its sibling species.

Alpine Shield Bug

A colorful shield bug found in alpine and subalpine meadows. Its coloring varies from green to brownish-purple depending on the season.

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Did You Know?

It changes color from green in summer to brown before hibernation in autumn.