Lyric Cicada vs New Zealand Cicada
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lyric Cicada | New Zealand Cicada |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Neotibicen lyricen | Kikihia muta |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Cicadidae | Cicadidae |
| Size | 30-38 mm | 15-20 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Heathland |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Eastern and Southeastern United States | Oceania (New Zealand - South Island) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Did You Know?
The name 'lyricen' refers to the lyre-shaped pattern on its mesonotum, visible when viewed from above.
New Zealand Cicada
A small endemic cicada from New Zealand notable for being silent - it has lost the ability to produce sound. It communicates through substrate vibrations transmitted through plant stems instead. This species represents a unique evolutionary path among cicadas.
Did You Know?
Despite belonging to one of the noisiest insect families, this cicada is completely mute and instead communicates by vibrating plant stems.