Cicadas are a familiar sound of summer, but their loud buzzing often leaves people wondering: Why Do Cicadas Make That Noise? The answer, like the insect itself, is fascinating and complex. This article explores the science behind the cicada’s distinctive sound and examines the reasons for their noisy behavior.
The Purpose of the Cicada’s Song
The incessant buzzing of cicadas isn’t random; it serves a crucial purpose in their life cycle. Only male cicadas produce this sound, primarily for mating. They have specialized organs called tymbals that create the noise, attracting females for reproduction. Think of it as a cicada love song! There are different types of cicada calls, including congregational songs where males synchronize their buzzing to establish territory and attract mates, and courting calls used just before mating.
How Cicadas Produce Sound
Cicadas possess a unique sound-producing organ called the tymbal. Located on the abdomen, the tymbal is a thin, ribbed membrane. Muscles attached to the tymbal contract rapidly, causing the membrane to buckle inward and produce a clicking sound. When the muscle relaxes, the tymbal snaps back, creating another click. This rapid clicking, happening hundreds of times per second, creates the buzzing sound we hear.
Amplifying the sound are air sacs within the cicada’s body. These sacs act as resonators, similar to the body of a guitar, amplifying the clicks from the tymbals into the loud buzzing that characterizes summertime. The frequency of these clicks can vary depending on the species and even the ambient temperature.
The Influence of Weather and Species on Cicada Sounds
Weather plays a significant role in cicada activity and their sound production. While they thrive in warm, sunny conditions, extreme heat or cold can dampen their enthusiasm for singing. Different cicada species also have preferred times of day for calling. Interestingly, each of the roughly 3,000 cicada species boasts a unique sound, making it possible for experts to differentiate them based on their buzzing alone.
Predator Deterrence: A Possible Explanation for Loudness
One theory suggests that the sheer volume of the cicada’s buzzing might serve as a defense mechanism against predators. The overwhelming sound could potentially disorient or even deter predators from attacking. Periodical cicadas, which emerge in large numbers every 13 or 17 years, are particularly loud, potentially lending credence to this theory. Their synchronized emergence creates a deafening chorus that could overwhelm predators.
Conclusion: A Symphony of Summer
The loud buzzing of cicadas is a defining characteristic of summer in many parts of the world. This intricate sound, produced by specialized organs and amplified by resonating air sacs, serves the primary purpose of attracting mates. While other factors, like predator deterrence, may contribute to the loudness, the cicada’s song remains a testament to the complex and fascinating world of insect communication.
