The cicadas sing to attract a mate during the breeding season, with males producing this shrill song thanks to their organs called tymbals located on the sides of their abdomen.
Cicadas sing primarily for two main reasons: to attract females and to deter other males. Essentially, singing is a very direct way to say "hey, this is my territory!" to other males, while loudly proclaiming "I'm available!" to the local females. This song is produced exclusively by males, using special organs located in their abdomen called tymbals. This sound behavior is absolutely vital: without it, there are no partners, and thus no reproduction. In short, without singing, there are no cicadas!
Cicadas sing thanks to a specific organ called the tymbal, located on each side of their abdomen. These are small, flexible membranes that the insect vibrates very quickly, producing these characteristic sounds. By rapidly contracting and relaxing certain specialized muscles, the cicada constantly deforms these tymbals, much like snapping a metal lid to create noise. The natural resonance chamber of the abdomen then amplifies this sound, making it powerful and audible from several dozen meters away. Males sing primarily to attract females, which explains the intensity and persistence of their concert in the summer.
The song of the cicadas is primarily a matter of seduction. For males, it’s like a loud announcement that says, “Hey, I’m here, ready to mate!” This noise attracts females who generally choose the one with the most powerful or appealing song. Therefore, singing loudly is a bit like showing off one’s muscles; it indicates good health and physical vigor, which is attractive to females.
It also serves to mark their territory. A powerful song signals to potential rivals that this area is occupied, no need to come and intrude. Essentially, male cicadas use their song as a clear sound signal both to attract females and to deter rivals. The sound acts as a kind of messaging that effectively handles matters of love and rivalry among these insects.
Cicadas sing mainly when it's hot. The ideal temperature for their singing is around 25 to 35 °C. Below 22 °C, they remain silent. Humidity also matters: they prefer dry air to trigger their song. That's why we mostly hear them on very hot and sunny summer days, when the sun shines brightly and the humidity drops. Another tip: they love spots with good sun exposure, like well-cleared tree trunks. They often seek out high places where the heat concentrates more.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not their legs or wings that allow cicadas to produce their famous song, but a specific organ called a 'tymbal', located on the abdomen of the male.
A cicada spends the majority of its life underground, up to 17 years for some species, before emerging to the surface to reproduce and begin singing. This final stage of its life usually lasts only a few weeks to a few months!
In Asia, cicadas are sometimes used as natural indicators in weather prediction. The specific rhythm or frequency of their song is believed to forecast the weather in the coming days according to popular beliefs!
There are about 4,500 different species of cicadas around the world, and each species has its own distinctive song, which is particularly used to attract mates during the breeding season.
After emerging on the surface, adult cicadas live relatively short lives: usually between 2 to 5 weeks. This brief period mainly allows them to reproduce and lay eggs.
Sure! Here’s the translation: "No, cicadas are completely harmless to humans. They do not bite, do not sting, and are not carriers of diseases. Their only potential nuisance comes from the very loud noise produced by their singing in certain regions."
Yes, cicadas prefer to sing during sunny hours, especially when temperatures are at their highest. Their song generally fades at sunset, as they rely on heat to activate their singing muscles.
Only male cicadas sing. The song is primarily used to attract females during the breeding season and to ward off other potentially competing males.
Cicadas sing mainly in the summer because their sound-producing muscles require high temperatures. Warm and dry weather is essential, as these insects become much more active when temperatures exceed about 25 degrees Celsius.
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