Periodical Cicada vs Dusky Click Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Periodical Cicada | Dusky Click Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Magicicada septendecim | Agriotes obscurus |
| Order | Hemiptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Cicadidae | Elateridae |
| Size | 25-33 mm | 7-9 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Farmland |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Root Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Europe, Northern Asia |
| 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.
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.
Dusky Click Beetle
A dull dark brown click beetle with dense pubescence and subtle elytral striations. The larvae are significant wireworm pests that attack the roots of cereals, potatoes, and other crops.
Did You Know?
This species is particularly problematic in land recently converted from grassland to arable cultivation.