Water Treader vs Cascade Cicada
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Water Treader | Cascade Cicada |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mesovelia mulsanti | Platypedia areolata |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Mesoveliidae | Cicadidae |
| Size | 3-4 mm | 18-24 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Forests |
| Diet | Herbivores | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Americas, from United States to South America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Water Treader
A tiny, bright green semi-aquatic bug that walks on the surface of still waters among floating vegetation. It is widespread across the Americas and is often found on lily pads and duckweed. Both winged and wingless forms exist.
Did You Know?
It hunts by detecting the tiny ripples made by struggling prey items on the water surface, running across lily pads and open water to reach them.
Cascade Cicada
A small western North American cicada that produces sound by wing-flicking rather than typical tymbals. It is found in mountainous conifer forests.
Did You Know?
Instead of the typical buzzing song, it communicates by rapidly clicking its wings against branches.