Lyric Cicada vs California Red Scale

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lyric Cicada California Red Scale
Scientific Name Neotibicen lyricen Aonidiella aurantii
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Cicadidae Diaspididae
Size 30-38 mm 1.5-2 mm diameter
Habitat Woodlands Orchards
Diet Sap Feeders Herbivores
Regions Eastern and Southeastern United States Worldwide citrus-growing regions
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Lyric Cicada

A medium-large cicada with a lyre-shaped marking on the dorsal thorax that gives it its name. Its call is a continuous, high-pitched whine heard from mid-summer into early fall.

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Did You Know?

The name 'lyricen' refers to the lyre-shaped pattern on its mesonotum, visible when viewed from above.

California Red Scale

A circular reddish-brown armored scale insect that infests citrus bark, leaves, and fruit. Heavy infestations can kill branches and render fruit unmarketable.

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Did You Know?

The parasitoid wasp Aphytis melinus is mass-reared by the billions to control this scale in California citrus orchards.