Clanger Cicada vs Emperor Swallowtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Clanger Cicada Emperor Swallowtail
Scientific Name Psaltoda claripennis Papilio ophidicephalus
Order Hemiptera Lepidoptera
Family Cicadidae Papilionidae
Size 30-40 mm 100-130 mm wingspan
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Beaches & Coastal
Diet Sap Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Australia, Oceania Southern Africa, East Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Clanger Cicada

A medium-sized cicada known for its sharp, metallic clapping call that distinguishes it from other Australian cicadas. It is widespread across coastal and tablelands regions of New South Wales.

💡

Did You Know?

Its name 'claripennis' means clear wings, referring to its transparent, lightly veined wing membranes.

Emperor Swallowtail

South Africa's largest butterfly with bold black and yellow-green markings. Its caterpillar mimics a bird dropping in early instars.

💡

Did You Know?

The caterpillar's head bears false eyespots that make it resemble a small snake to deter predators.