Cassini Periodical Cicada vs Amazonian Water Scorpion

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cassini Periodical Cicada Amazonian Water Scorpion
Scientific Name Magicicada cassini Ranatra spp.
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Cicadidae Nepidae
Size 24-28 mm 30-50 mm including siphon
Habitat Woodlands Ponds & Lakes
Diet Sap Feeders Predators
Regions Eastern United States, overlapping with other Magicicada species Throughout South America
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.

Amazonian Water Scorpion

A stick-like aquatic bug with an extremely elongated body and long breathing siphon at the rear. It hangs motionless near the surface, ambushing passing prey.

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Did You Know?

Despite the common name, it is not a scorpion at all and is completely harmless to humans though it can deliver a mild prick.