Malagasy Mottled Cicada vs Black Cicada

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Malagasy Mottled Cicada Black Cicada
Scientific Name Yanga argyrea Maoricicada nigra
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Cicadidae Cicadidae
Size 35-45 mm 18-25 mm
Habitat Forests Mountains
Diet Sap Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions Madagascar Oceania (New Zealand - South Island)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Malagasy Mottled Cicada

A silvery-gray cicada with mottled wing patterns that provide excellent camouflage against tree bark. Males produce a distinctive metallic buzzing song.

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Did You Know?

Its species name 'argyrea' means silvery, referring to the fine silvery scales that cover its body and wings.

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.

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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.