Horned Aphid vs Black Cicada
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Horned Aphid | Black Cicada |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tuberaphis styraci | Maoricicada nigra |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Hormaphididae | Cicadidae |
| Size | 1-2.5 mm | 18-25 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Mountains |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Japan, East Asia | Oceania (New Zealand - South Island) |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Horned Aphid
A social aphid from East Asia that forms colonies defended by sterile soldier nymphs with horned heads. They live on styrax trees and produce a single soldier caste.
Did You Know?
Soldiers stab intruders with their sharp horns and inject a toxic secretion, dying in the process like a honeybee's suicide sting.
Black Cicada
A striking all-black alpine cicada endemic to the mountains of the South Island of New Zealand. Its dark colouration helps it absorb heat in cool alpine environments. It produces a distinctive high-pitched buzzing call.
Did You Know?
This cicada's black body acts as a solar panel, allowing it to warm up quickly in the cold alpine air to reach the body temperature needed for flight.