Periodical Cicada vs Carolina Walkingstick

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Periodical Cicada Carolina Walkingstick
Scientific Name Magicicada septendecim Diapheromera carolina
Order Hemiptera Phasmatodea
Family Cicadidae Diapheromeridae
Size 25-33 mm 6-9 cm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Root Feeders Herbivores
Regions North America United States (Southeastern)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Periodical Cicada

Emerges in massive synchronized broods every 17 years. Nymphs live underground feeding on tree root sap. Males produce the loudest sounds of any insect at up to 100 dB.

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Did You Know?

Periodical cicadas spend exactly 17 years underground (a prime number), and scientists believe this evolved to prevent predators from synchronizing their own cycles.

Carolina Walkingstick

A walkingstick found in the southeastern United States, closely related to the northern walkingstick. It prefers warmer, more humid habitats.

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Did You Know?

It is sometimes difficult to distinguish from Diapheromera femorata without examining genitalic structures.