Razor Grinder Cicada vs Small Milkweed Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Razor Grinder Cicada Small Milkweed Bug
Scientific Name Henicopsaltria eydouxii Lygaeus kalmii
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Cicadidae Lygaeidae
Size 35-50 mm 10-12 mm
Habitat Forests Grasslands
Diet Sap Feeders Predators
Regions Australia, Oceania North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Razor Grinder Cicada

A large cicada known for its distinctive high-pitched grinding call that sounds like metal being sharpened on a grindstone. It is common in the eucalyptus forests of southeastern Australia.

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Did You Know?

Its call is so loud and persistent that it can make conversation difficult for people standing near a calling tree.

Small Milkweed Bug

A boldly patterned red-and-black seed bug that feeds on milkweed seeds and sequesters toxic cardiac glycosides. Its warning coloration advertises its chemical defense to predators.

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Did You Know?

It stores milkweed toxins in its body, making it taste terrible to birds and other predators that try to eat it.