Dark-stigma Snakefly vs Putnam's Cicada

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dark-stigma Snakefly Putnam's Cicada
Scientific Name Phaeostigma notata Platypedia putnami
Order Raphidioptera Hemiptera
Family Raphidiidae Cicadidae
Size 12-15 mm body 18-25 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Predators Sap Feeders
Regions Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Dark-stigma Snakefly

A primitive predatory insect with an elongated prothorax giving it a snake-like neck. Found on tree trunks in woodland. Both adults and larvae prey on small insects.

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Did You Know?

Snakeflies are living fossils with a body plan virtually unchanged for over 140 million years.

Putnam's Cicada

A small, dark cicada found in arid pinyon-juniper woodlands of the western US. It produces quiet clicks rather than the loud buzzing of typical cicadas.

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Did You Know?

Instead of singing, males attract females by tapping their wings together to produce soft clicking sounds.