Streamlined Backswimmer vs Dog-Day Cicada

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Streamlined Backswimmer Dog-Day Cicada
Scientific Name Notonecta irrorata Neotibicen canicularis
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Notonectidae Cicadidae
Size 10-13 mm 27-33 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Sap Feeders
Regions North America Eastern and central North America from Canada to the Gulf states
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Streamlined Backswimmer

A pale backswimmer with mottled wings found in still and slow-moving waters across North America. Like other backswimmers, it hangs just below the water surface film waiting for prey vibrations. It is a strong underwater swimmer.

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Did You Know?

It senses prey by detecting surface water vibrations with specialized sensory hairs on its legs, effectively turning the water surface into a detection web.

Dog-Day Cicada

A large green and black annual cicada that sings during the hottest days of summer. Its buzzing call is the quintessential sound of late summer in North America.

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Did You Know?

Its common name comes from its emergence during the 'dog days' of summer, the hottest period from July to August.