Red Imported Fire Ant vs African Bladder Cicada

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Red Imported Fire Ant African Bladder Cicada
Scientific Name Solenopsis invicta Platypleura stridula
Order Hymenoptera Hemiptera
Family Formicidae Cicadidae
Size 2-6 mm 28-35 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Seed Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions South America, North America, Asia, Oceania Sub-Saharan Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Red Imported Fire Ant

An aggressive, reddish-brown ant with a painful burning sting. Originally from South America, it has become one of the most problematic invasive species worldwide.

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Did You Know?

During floods, fire ant colonies link their bodies together to form living rafts that can float for weeks, carrying the queen and brood to safety.

African Bladder Cicada

A sub-Saharan African cicada with flattened lateral extensions on its abdomen. It is commonly heard calling from trees in woodland savannas.

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Did You Know?

The flattened thoracic extensions help the cicada blend seamlessly against tree bark when at rest.