Dog-Day Cicada vs Banded Hairstreak

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dog-Day Cicada Banded Hairstreak
Scientific Name Neotibicen canicularis Satyrium calanus
Order Hemiptera Lepidoptera
Family Cicadidae Lycaenidae
Size 27-33 mm 25-32 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Sap Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Eastern and central North America from Canada to the Gulf states Eastern United States and southeastern Canada
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Dog-Day Cicada

A large green and black annual cicada that sings during the hottest days of summer. Its buzzing call is the quintessential sound of late summer in North America.

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Did You Know?

Its common name comes from its emergence during the 'dog days' of summer, the hottest period from July to August.

Banded Hairstreak

A small dark brown butterfly with conspicuous bands of white-edged dark dashes on its hindwing underside. It has a short thin tail and a small orange spot near the tail.

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Did You Know?

It rubs its hindwings together after landing, moving the tails to mimic antennae and trick predators into attacking the wrong end.