Common Pond Skater vs Superb Green Cicada
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Pond Skater | Superb Green Cicada |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aquarius najas | Neotibicen superbus |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Gerridae | Cicadidae |
| Size | 14-17 mm | 33-40 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Predators | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Southwestern United States from Texas to Arizona |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Pond Skater
A large, elongate water strider that glides across the surface of flowing rivers and large ponds. It is one of the biggest European gerrid species with a dark brown body.
Did You Know?
Pond skaters communicate with potential mates and rivals by generating specific ripple patterns on the water surface, essentially sending coded messages across the water.
Superb Green Cicada
A large and strikingly green cicada of the American Southwest with a powerful buzzing song. It is one of the most robust cicada species in North America.
Did You Know?
Its call is so loud it can reach over 100 decibels, making it one of the noisiest insects in North America.