Swamp Cicada vs Black Corsair

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Swamp Cicada Black Corsair
Scientific Name Neotibicen tibicen Melanolestes picipes
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Cicadidae Reduviidae
Size 30-38 mm 15-20 mm
Habitat Wetlands Woodlands
Diet Sap Feeders Omnivores
Regions Eastern and central United States North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Swamp Cicada

A large dark cicada with green markings and a loud droning call heard in late summer. It is often called the morning cicada because it frequently calls during morning hours.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most cicadas that call in afternoon heat, it often sings during cooler morning and evening hours.

Black Corsair

A shiny black, robust assassin bug found across North America. It is nocturnal and commonly attracted to lights near buildings. It can deliver one of the most painful bites of any North American insect if handled carelessly.

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Did You Know?

The bite is described as more painful than a wasp sting, causing immediate sharp pain followed by numbness that can last for days, though it is not medically dangerous.