Neotropical Bee Assassin vs African Bladder Cicada
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Neotropical Bee Assassin | African Bladder Cicada |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Apiomerus pictipes | Platypleura stridula |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Reduviidae | Cicadidae |
| Size | 14-20 mm | 28-35 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Woodlands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | South America (Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela) | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Neotropical Bee Assassin
A stout, colorful assassin bug that specializes in capturing bees and wasps visiting flowers. Its bright red, orange, and black coloring may serve as aposematic warning. It coats its forelegs with plant resins to improve grip when seizing fast-moving prey.
Did You Know?
It has been observed applying resin from specific plant species to its legs in a deliberate, repeated behavior that qualifies as tool use.
African Bladder Cicada
A sub-Saharan African cicada with flattened lateral extensions on its abdomen. It is commonly heard calling from trees in woodland savannas.
Did You Know?
The flattened thoracic extensions help the cicada blend seamlessly against tree bark when at rest.