Decula Periodical Cicada vs Feather-Legged Assassin Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Decula Periodical Cicada Feather-Legged Assassin Bug
Scientific Name Magicicada septendecula Ptilocnemus lemur
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Cicadidae Reduviidae
Size 22-26 mm 10-14 mm
Habitat Woodlands Heathland
Diet Sap Feeders Omnivores
Regions Eastern United States, co-occurring with other Magicicada species Australia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Feather-Legged Assassin Bug

An Australian assassin bug with bizarre feathery hind legs used to lure ant prey. It waves its feathered legs near ant trails to attract victims.

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Did You Know?

It dangles its feathery hind legs like fishing lures to attract ants, which it then seizes and devours.