New Zealand Cicada vs Black Prince Cicada

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute New Zealand Cicada Black Prince Cicada
Scientific Name Kikihia muta Psaltoda plaga
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Cicadidae Cicadidae
Size 15-20 mm 35-45 mm
Habitat Heathland Woodlands
Diet Sap Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions Oceania (New Zealand - South Island) Australia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

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Did You Know?

Despite belonging to one of the noisiest insect families, this cicada is completely mute and instead communicates by vibrating plant stems.

Black Prince Cicada

A prized Australian cicada with a jet-black body, popular among children who collect cicada shells. It is less common than the green grocer.

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Did You Know?

Australian children traditionally consider finding a Black Prince shell a prized achievement during summer.