Decula Periodical Cicada vs Bark Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Decula Periodical Cicada Bark Mantis
Scientific Name Magicicada septendecula Liturgusa sp.
Order Hemiptera Mantodea
Family Cicadidae Liturgusidae
Size 22-26 mm 20-35 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Sap Feeders Predators
Regions Eastern United States, co-occurring with other Magicicada species South America, Central America
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

Decula Periodical Cicada

The smallest of the 17-year periodical cicada species with a distinctive ticking call. It is often the least abundant species within a periodical cicada brood.

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Did You Know?

It is the rarest of the three 17-year species and was not described as a separate species until 1962.

Bark Mantis

A flattened mantis species that lives on tree bark and is superbly camouflaged. Rather than ambushing prey, it actively chases insects across bark surfaces at high speed.

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Did You Know?

Bark mantises are among the fastest-running mantis species and will sprint across tree bark at speeds that rival many ground-dwelling predatory insects.