Desert Cicada vs Mexican Antlion
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Desert Cicada | Mexican Antlion |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Diceroprocta semicincta | Vella americana |
| Order | Hemiptera | Neuroptera |
| Family | Cicadidae | Myrmeleontidae |
| Size | 28-35 mm | 65-85 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | North America | Southwestern United States, Mexico |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Desert Cicada
A heat-loving cicada found throughout the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts. Its shrill call is one of the most characteristic sounds of the desert summer.
Did You Know?
It sweats through tiny pores to cool itself, one of the few insects known to use evaporative cooling.
Mexican Antlion
A robust antlion found across the southern United States and Mexico. Recognized by its large size and boldly marked forewings.
Did You Know?
Adults are surprisingly strong fliers for antlions and actively hunt small moths at dusk.