Quck answer
Cicadas are noisy because the males produce a loud buzzing sound to attract females during mating season. They have special structures called tymbals on their abdomen that they vibrate rapidly to create the sound. The sound can reach up to 120 decibels, which is as loud as a chainsaw or a rock concert. The cicadas’ loud calls are also a defense mechanism against predators, as the noise can startle and confuse them. Cicadas are only noisy during mating season, which occurs once every 13 or 17 years depending on the species.
Wild Animals
Cicadas are most well-known for their loud and distinctive singing, which is actually a mating call produced by male cicadas. Each species has its own unique song that only attracts females of its own kind, allowing multiple species to coexist. Cicadas are the only insects capable of producing such a loud and unique sound, with some larger species capable of producing calls over 120 decibels at close range. Even smaller species can produce sounds so high-pitched that they are inaudible to humans but may cause pain to other animals.
The mechanism that cicadas use to produce their sound is complex. The sound-producing organs are called tymbals, which are ribbed membranes located at the base of the abdomen. When the cicada contracts its internal tymbal muscles, the membranes buckle inward, producing a distinctive sound. Scientists still do not fully understand how this mechanism produces such extreme volume.
Cicadas usually sing during the hottest part of the day, and the loud noise serves to both attract mates and repel birds. Cicada songs are painful to birds’ ears and can interfere with their communication, making it difficult for them to hunt in groups. Male cicadas will also call together to increase the volume of noise and reduce the risk of bird predation for the entire group.
Even cicadas themselves must protect their ears from the volume of their own singing. Both male and female cicadas have mirror-like membranes called tympana that function as ears. The tympana are connected to an auditory organ by a tendon that retracts when a male cicada sings, creasing the membranes so that they are not damaged by the sound.
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FAQ
1. What are cicadas?
Cicadas are insects that belong to the family Cicadidae. They are well-known for their loud and distinctive sounds and are found in many parts of the world.
2. Why are cicadas so noisy?
Cicadas are noisy because of the mating calls of males. Male cicadas produce loud, buzzing sounds to attract female cicadas for mating.
3. How do cicadas make their sounds?
Cicadas produce their sounds by vibrating a pair of specialized organs called tymbals, located on the sides of their abdomen.
4. Are all cicadas noisy?
No, not all cicadas are noisy. Some species of cicadas produce only soft and quiet sounds.
5. Are cicadas harmful?
Cicadas are not harmful to humans, but they can cause damage to trees and shrubs when they lay eggs on the branches.
6. How long do cicadas live?
Cicadas typically live for several years as underground nymphs before emerging as adults. Adult cicadas usually live for only a few weeks to a few months.
7. When do cicadas emerge?
Cicadas emerge from the ground in large numbers at regular intervals, which can range from 2 to 17 years depending on the species.
8. Where are cicadas found?
Cicadas are found in many parts of the world, but they are most common in tropical and subtropical regions.
9. Do cicadas have any predators?
Yes, cicadas have many predators including birds, bats, and some species of insects.
10. How do cicadas defend themselves?
Cicadas have various defense mechanisms including camouflage, chemical defenses, and flocking behavior to confuse predators.
11. Can cicadas fly?
Yes, cicadas can fly and are highly skilled fliers. They use their wings to fly from tree to tree and to escape from predators.
12. Do cicadas have any cultural significance?
Yes, cicadas have cultural significance in many parts of the world, including Japan, where they are considered symbols of summer and used in traditional art and literature.
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