Rajah Brooke's Birdwing vs Black Cicada

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Rajah Brooke's Birdwing Black Cicada
Scientific Name Trogonoptera brookiana Maoricicada nigra
Order Lepidoptera Hemiptera
Family Papilionidae Cicadidae
Size Wingspan 150-170mm 18-25 mm
Habitat Mountains Mountains
Diet Herbivores Sap Feeders
Regions Asia Oceania (New Zealand - South Island)
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Rajah Brooke's Birdwing

A striking birdwing butterfly with jet black wings crossed by brilliant electric green tooth-shaped markings. It is the national butterfly of Malaysia.

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Did You Know?

It was named after Sir James Brooke the first White Rajah of Sarawak by Alfred Russel Wallace who collected the first specimen.

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.

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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.