Giant Malaysian Cricket vs Chorus Cicada
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Giant Malaysian Cricket | Chorus Cicada |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Brachytrupes portentosus | Amphipsalta zelandica |
| Order | Orthoptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Gryllidae | Cicadidae |
| Size | 40-60 mm | 25-35 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Underground |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Root Feeders |
| Regions | Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia) | Oceania (New Zealand) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Giant Malaysian Cricket
One of the largest crickets in the world with a robust brown body, powerful hind legs, and a loud, resonant chirping call. It lives in deep burrows dug into the ground.
Did You Know?
In Thailand and Cambodia, these crickets are collected from their burrows and deep-fried as a popular protein-rich street food.
Chorus Cicada
The most common and widespread cicada in New Zealand, producing the iconic summer chorus heard throughout the country. Nymphs spend several years underground feeding on root sap before emerging to moult into adults. Males produce their characteristic song using tymbal organs.
Did You Know?
The chorus cicada's distinctive whirring call is so emblematic of New Zealand summers that it has become a cultural symbol of the season.