Giant Water Strider vs Palo Verde Root Borer Cicada

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Water Strider Palo Verde Root Borer Cicada
Scientific Name Gigantometra gigas Okanagana hesperia
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Gerridae Cicadidae
Size 18-24 mm body, 250 mm leg span 20-28 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Grasslands
Diet Omnivores Sap Feeders
Regions Vietnam, Southern China, Southeast Asia North America
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Giant Water Strider

The largest water strider in the world, found in Southeast Asian streams. Its leg span can reach over 25 cm across the water surface.

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Did You Know?

With a leg span exceeding 25 centimeters, it is the undisputed giant of the water strider world.

Palo Verde Root Borer Cicada

A medium-sized dark cicada found in sagebrush steppe and desert grasslands. Males call from low shrubs during the heat of summer afternoons.

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Did You Know?

Its nymphs may spend up to five years underground feeding on root fluids before emerging as adults.