Swamp Cicada vs Kermes Scale
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Swamp Cicada | Kermes Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Neotibicen tibicen | Kermes vermilio |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Cicadidae | Kermesidae |
| Size | 30-38 mm | 3-6 mm |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Eastern and central United States | Europe |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Unlike most cicadas that call in afternoon heat, it often sings during cooler morning and evening hours.
Kermes Scale
Source of kermes dye, one of the oldest known red dyes. Used since ancient Egyptian and Roman times. The word "crimson" derives from the Arabic word for kermes.
Did You Know?
The English word "crimson" comes from the Arabic "qirmiz" meaning kermes — this insect dye has colored royal robes and religious vestments for over 3,000 years.