Dog-Day Cicada vs Cotton Aphid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dog-Day Cicada Cotton Aphid
Scientific Name Neotibicen canicularis Aphis gossypii
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Cicadidae Aphididae
Size 27-33 mm 1-1.8 mm
Habitat Woodlands Orchards
Diet Sap Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions Eastern and central North America from Canada to the Gulf states Worldwide
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

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.

Cotton Aphid

A small yellowish-green to dark green aphid that attacks cotton, cucurbits, and citrus worldwide. It transmits numerous plant viruses and produces copious honeydew.

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Did You Know?

Its body color varies from yellow to nearly black depending on temperature, crowding, and host plant quality.