Dog-Day Cicada vs Red Imported Fire Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Dog-Day Cicada | Red Imported Fire Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Neotibicen canicularis | Solenopsis invicta |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Cicadidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 27-33 mm | 2-6 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Seed Feeders |
| Regions | Eastern and central North America from Canada to the Gulf states | South America, North America, Asia, Oceania |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Its common name comes from its emergence during the 'dog days' of summer, the hottest period from July to August.
Red Imported Fire Ant
An aggressive, reddish-brown ant with a painful burning sting. Originally from South America, it has become one of the most problematic invasive species worldwide.
Did You Know?
During floods, fire ant colonies link their bodies together to form living rafts that can float for weeks, carrying the queen and brood to safety.