Deraeocoris Plant Bug vs Black Cicada
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Deraeocoris Plant Bug | Black Cicada |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Deraeocoris ruber | Maoricicada nigra |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Miridae | Cicadidae |
| Size | 6-8 mm | 18-25 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Mountains |
| Diet | Predators | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, western Asia | Oceania (New Zealand - South Island) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Deraeocoris Plant Bug
A small, shiny dark reddish-brown to black predatory plant bug found across Europe. It feeds on aphids, spider mites, and psyllids on various trees and shrubs. The coloration is highly variable, ranging from red to nearly black.
Did You Know?
Its extreme color variation confused early taxonomists who described several different species that were later found to be a single, highly polymorphic species.
Black Cicada
A striking all-black alpine cicada endemic to the mountains of the South Island of New Zealand. Its dark colouration helps it absorb heat in cool alpine environments. It produces a distinctive high-pitched buzzing call.
Did You Know?
This cicada's black body acts as a solar panel, allowing it to warm up quickly in the cold alpine air to reach the body temperature needed for flight.