Palo Verde Root Borer Cicada vs Black Cicada
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Palo Verde Root Borer Cicada | Black Cicada |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Okanagana hesperia | Maoricicada nigra |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Cicadidae | Cicadidae |
| Size | 20-28 mm | 18-25 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Mountains |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Oceania (New Zealand - South Island) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Palo Verde Root Borer Cicada
A medium-sized dark cicada found in sagebrush steppe and desert grasslands. Males call from low shrubs during the heat of summer afternoons.
Did You Know?
Its nymphs may spend up to five years underground feeding on root fluids before emerging as adults.
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.
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.