Periodical Cicada vs Western Chicken Flea
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Periodical Cicada | Western Chicken Flea |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Magicicada septendecim | Ceratophyllus niger |
| Order | Hemiptera | Siphonaptera |
| Family | Cicadidae | Ceratophyllidae |
| Size | 25-33 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Western North America |
| 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.
Western Chicken Flea
A poultry flea common in western North America that infests chickens and other domestic birds. Heavy infestations reduce egg production and can kill young chicks.
Did You Know?
Larvae develop in accumulated nest debris and droppings in poultry houses rather than on the bird itself.