Median Wasp vs Cactus Dodger Cicada

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Median Wasp Cactus Dodger Cicada
Scientific Name Dolichovespula media Cacama valvata
Order Hymenoptera Hemiptera
Family Vespidae Cicadidae
Size 15-22 mm 25-35 mm
Habitat Underground Deserts & Drylands
Diet Sap Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions Europe, Northern Asia North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Median Wasp

A large social wasp that builds aerial paper nests in trees and shrubs across Europe. They are less aggressive than yellowjackets and colonies typically contain around 200 workers.

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Did You Know?

Their nests are beautifully layered with bands of different colored paper made from various wood sources.

Cactus Dodger Cicada

A robust desert cicada that feeds on native desert shrubs in the American Southwest. Males produce a distinctive buzzing call in the hottest hours.

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Did You Know?

Its dark coloring helps it warm up quickly in the cool desert mornings so it can begin calling earlier.