Cassini Periodical Cicada vs Imperial Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cassini Periodical Cicada | Imperial Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Magicicada cassini | Eacles imperialis |
| Order | Hemiptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Cicadidae | Saturniidae |
| Size | 24-28 mm | 80-135 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Eastern United States, overlapping with other Magicicada species | Eastern North America, Mexico, Central America, 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.
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.
Imperial Moth
A large moth with bright yellow wings variably marked with purple-brown spots and patches. It is one of the most recognizable saturniids in the Americas.
Did You Know?
The imperial moth has declined dramatically in the northeastern United States, likely due to parasitic flies introduced for gypsy moth control.