Provencal Cicada vs Cixiid Planthopper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Provencal Cicada Cixiid Planthopper
Scientific Name Lyristes plebejus Cixius nervosus
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Cicadidae Cixiidae
Size 36-42 mm 5-8 mm
Habitat Heathland Underground
Diet Sap Feeders Herbivores
Regions Southern Europe, Mediterranean Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Provencal Cicada

A large European cicada iconic to the Mediterranean region, especially Provence. Its loud continuous song is a defining sound of southern French summers.

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Did You Know?

It is such a cultural symbol of Provence that ceramic cicada ornaments are sold as souvenirs across the region.

Cixiid Planthopper

A small brownish planthopper with prominently veined transparent wings. Nymphs develop underground feeding on roots, while adults are found on shrubs and tree foliage.

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Did You Know?

Cixiid planthoppers are important vectors of phytoplasma diseases affecting fruit trees, grapevines, and other crops across Europe.