Small Milkweed Bug vs Black Prince Cicada

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Small Milkweed Bug Black Prince Cicada
Scientific Name Lygaeus kalmii Psaltoda plaga
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Lygaeidae Cicadidae
Size 10-12 mm 35-45 mm
Habitat Grasslands Woodlands
Diet Predators Sap Feeders
Regions North America Australia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Black Prince Cicada

A prized Australian cicada with a jet-black body, popular among children who collect cicada shells. It is less common than the green grocer.

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Did You Know?

Australian children traditionally consider finding a Black Prince shell a prized achievement during summer.