Why Are Cicadas So Loud? Unraveling Nature’s Boisterous Mystery

Cicadas are fascinating insects known for their deafening sounds during certain times of the year. You might wonder why cicadas are so loud and what purpose their noise serves. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the volume of cicadas and their unique behaviors.

The loud noise produced by male cicadas comes from a pair of tymbals, which are ridged membranes found on their first abdominal segment. When these tymbals vibrate, they generate the distinctive cicada song. The hollow abdomen of the male cicada acts as a resonating chamber, amplifying the sound and creating a chorus that can be almost unbearable at times Behavior | Cicadas.

This overwhelming sound plays a crucial role in the cicadas’ life cycle. It helps the male cicadas attract females for mating, and serves as a means of communication. Additionally, the sheer volume of their chorus provides a survival mechanism, allowing them to avoid predators by drowning out their own sounds or even overwhelming the predators with the sheer number of cicadas present Cicadas in Maryland.

Why Cicadas are Loud?

Cicadas are a fascinating group of insects often associated with the sound of summer. The loud music created by these creatures can be quite captivating, but have you ever wondered why cicadas are so loud?

One reason for their loudness is to attract mates. Male cicadas are responsible for producing these sounds, using specialized structures called tymbals. These organs are located on their abdomen and can create astonishingly loud noises when vibrated rapidly. By producing such high-volume calls, they increase their chances of attracting female cicadas for mating.

The structure of the male cicada’s abdomen also plays a role in amplifying their calls. Their abdomen is mostly hollow, which acts as a resonating chamber, enhancing the sound produced by the tymbals. Imagine it’s like a built-in speaker that amplifies sounds to a much higher level.

Cicadas are known for their impressive choruses during the warm summer months. When large groups of these insects get together and sing in unison, the noise can be almost deafening. This is one way they manage to stand out in a noisy environment filled with other competing sounds.

In conclusion, cicadas achieve their loudness through the unique combination of specialized organs, body structure, and group behavior.

The Anatomy Behind the Noise

The Tymbal Organ

The tymbal organ is a key component in cicada sound production. It consists of rib-like bands on a membrane, which can be rapidly vibrated by special muscles. This unique structure enables male cicadas to produce loud buzzing sounds when they’re looking for a mate. The tymbal organ is responsible for generating the initial sound wave, which then travels through the cicada’s abdomen to be amplified and projected to the surroundings.

The Abdominal Segment

The abdomen of male cicadas is almost completely hollow, which plays a crucial role in the sound amplification process. When sound waves from the tymbal organ enter this hollow area, they bounce around inside the abdominal chamber, resulting in the loud, characteristic noise we associate with cicadas. This hollow abdominal segment not only amplifies the sound but also gives it a distinct tonality, making it easily recognizable.

The Air Sacs

Cicadas come equipped with air sacs, which are essentially open spaces in their body cavity that aid in the resonance and amplification of sounds. These air sacs are thought to enhance the volume and pitch of the cicada’s calls, contributing to the overall intensity of their songs. So, when combined with the tymbal organ and the abdominal segment, these air sacs allow cicadas to produce deafening noise levels that can reach up to 90-100 decibels.

In summary, the loud noise produced by cicadas is the result of intricate anatomical features working in harmony. This includes the tymbal organ, which generates the initial sound; the abdominal segment, acting as an echo chamber; and the air sacs, providing resonance and amplification. All these elements come together to create the unmistakable sounds of cicadas that fill the air during their mating season.

The Role of Sound in Cicadas’ Lives

Mating Call

Male cicadas produce a distinctive mating call to attract females for reproduction. Using a pair of tymbals, or ridged membranes, on their abdominal segment, they create loud songs that can be heard from afar. Their hollow abdomen allows the sound to be amplified, making the call even louder.

Warning Call

In addition to mating calls, cicadas also produce warning calls to alert others of potential danger. These calls can help ensure the safety of the entire population by signaling the presence of predators or other threats.

Distress Sound

Cicadas may emit a distress sound when they feel threatened or are in danger. This distinctive noise can serve as a last resort to help the insect escape from harm.

Breaking down the different sounds:

• Mating Call
  • Produced by male cicadas to attract females
  • Loud and amplified by the hollow abdomen
• Warning Call
  • Alerts others of potential dangers or predators
• Distress Sound
  • Emitted when cicadas feel threatened or in danger

In summary, cicadas use sound in various ways to communicate with each other, find mates, and protect themselves from danger. As you observe these fascinating insects, take note of the diverse range of sounds they produce and the vital role they play in their lives.

Different Types of Cicada Sounds

High-Pitched Buzzing

One distinct sound produced by cicadas is a high-pitched buzzing. This sound is created by male cicadas to attract potential mates. When they produce this sound, their tymbals vibrate, and the hollow abdomen amplifies the sound, making it louder¹. For example, it can be similar to the buzzing of a lawnmower or a power tool². Keep in mind that large choruses of cicadas can make noises that are even louder and more pronounced.

Clicking Sound

Another characteristic noise of cicadas is the clicking sound. It’s different from the high-pitched buzzing and may occur as part of their unique communication methods. Though not as prominent as the buzzing sound, the clicking noise also plays a role in their mating calls and defense strategies.

In summary, cicadas produce a variety of sounds, mainly for attracting mates and communication. These sounds, including high-pitched buzzing and clicking, are amplified by their hollow abdomen, resulting in the loud, distinctive noises we associate with these insects.

Broods of Cicadas and Their Unique Sounds

Brood X

Brood X, also known as the Great Eastern Brood, is one of the largest and most well-known broods of periodical cicadas. Emerging every 17 years, these cicadas are known for their distinctive and loud sound. The song they produce has a unique pitch due to the male cicada’s hollow abdomen, which acts as a resonating chamber, amplifying the sound produced by their tymbals source.

During the few weeks when Brood X cicadas emerge, their populations can reach densities of up to 1.5 million per acre, making their soundscape quite prominent source.

Periodical Cicadas

Periodical cicadas are among the most curious cicada species due to their synchronized mass emergence in broods. Unlike their annual cicada cousins, periodical cicadas belong to the Magicicada genus and only emerge every 13 or 17 years source. These insects have developed a unique survival strategy, known as predator satiation, in which their overwhelming numbers and synchronized emergence help protect them from predators.

Different broods of periodical cicadas produce various sounds, depending on their species, size, and shape of the abdomen. As for Brood XIX, it’s known for a notable pattern of reproductive character displacement. In areas where Magicicada neotredecim comes in contact with another 13-year species, M. tredecim, the dominant male call pitch is approximately 1.7 kHz. Outside the contact zone, its call pitch is around 1.4 kHz, identical to that of other species in the brood.

It’s no doubt that cicadas, particularly periodical cicadas and their distinctive broods, have evolved to create unique and mesmerizing sounds. Their fascinating behavior and biology contribute to the diverse and enchanting songs of our natural environment.

Remember, while cicadas’ loud songs can be a fascinating natural phenomenon, be cautious when exposed to their large choruses, as noise levels have been reported to reach between 90 and 100 decibels which can be harmful to human hearing source.

The Impact of Cicadas’ Sound

Effect on Human Ear

Cicadas are known for their loud, buzzing sound, which can be quite intense. In fact, their noise levels can reach 90-100 decibels, which is similar to a lawnmower or motorcycle. This loud sound can be bothersome, but it is unlikely to damage your hearing unless you are exposed to it for extended periods.

Predator Deterrent

One reason cicadas make such loud sounds is to deter potential predators. Their loud noise may confuse or disorient predators, making it difficult for them to locate the insect. This serves as a defense mechanism, helping cicadas avoid becoming a meal for other creatures.

Environmental Nuisance

While cicadas can be fascinating, their loud noise can also create an environmental nuisance for humans and other animals. The incessant buzzing can disturb outdoor activities and make it difficult to enjoy a peaceful moment in nature during cicada season. In some cases, their sound can even interfere with cognitive functioning and be disruptive to people who are sensitive to noise. However, it’s essential to remember that their presence is only temporary, and they play a crucial role in the ecosystem.

To summarize, cicadas produce their loud sound for various reasons, including attracting mates and deterring predators. Although this noise can be bothersome to some, it is vital to appreciate the role cicadas play in our environment and recognize their fascinating behavior.

North American Cicadas

Magicicada Cassini

The Magicicada Cassini, also known as the Cassini periodical cicada, is a species found in North America. These cicadas are famous for their distinctive, loud songs, which males produce to attract females. A key feature of Magicicada Cassini is their 17-year life cycle, with the majority being underground as nymphs before emerging in large numbers.

To give you an idea, the noise produced by a Magicicada Cassini chorus can reach up to 90 – 100 decibels, which is comparable to the sound of a lawn mower or a motorcycle.

Magicicada Septendecim

Another North American cicada species is the Magicicada Septendecim. Like the Cassini, this species has a 17-year life cycle and spends most of its life underground as nymphs. The males produce a unique song to attract females, composed of high-pitched calls and clicks.

Though still loud, the Magicicada Septendecim song reaches slightly lower decibel levels than the Magicicada Cassini, making it more tolerable to human ears.

Magicicada Septendecula

The Magicicada Septendecula is the third main cicada species in North America. While its life cycle is also 17 years, it differs from the Cassini and Septendecim species in terms of its song and geographical distribution. The Septendecula’s song utilizes lower frequencies and has a less pronounced call compared to the other two species.

Here’s a brief comparison table to show you the differences between the three species:

Now you know more about these fascinating cicadas, their unique characteristics, and why they are so loud. Enjoy these incredible insects during their brief yet noisy appearances above ground!

Cicada Species in Other Parts of the World

You’ll be amazed to find out that there are over 3000 cicada species across the world, showcasing an incredible diversity among these fascinating insects. Each species has its own unique features, contributing to the wide range of sounds and patterns displayed by cicadas.

For example, in Asia, some cultures regard cicadas as symbols of re-birth, health, wealth, and happiness. This cultural significance has led to inspiration in art, music, and theater.

Now, let’s take a quick look at some cicada species found in different continents:

• North America: The periodical cicadas, known for their 13-year and 17-year life cycles, are found almost exclusively to this continent.
• Europe: The New Forest cicada, endemic to the UK, faces the threat of extinction due to habitat loss.
• Asia: The Walker’s Cicada, native to Japan, has an interesting color pattern resembling a wasp or hornet.
• Australia: The Double Drummer cicada is known for producing some of the loudest sounds among insects, reaching up to 120 decibels.

We can also compare some of the common cicada species based on their features:

Different species of cicadas thrive in various parts of the world, each with their own unique characteristics and sounds. Their diversity and adaptations play a vital role in their survival and impact on the ecosystem.

Cicadas and Their Cultural Significance

Cicadas in Music

Cicadas have a unique sound that fills the air every spring. Male cicadas produce these loud choruses to attract females for mating. Their sounds can reach noise levels ranging from 90 to 100 decibels. The loud, continuous noise may remind you of a musical instrument.

As a culturally significant symbol, cicadas have inspired various forms of art. For example, in some Asian cultures, cicadas have been used in music and theater to symbolize rebirth, health, wealth, and happiness. Their distinct sounds can add a natural and intriguing element to musical compositions.

Cicadas in Chicago

At the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Chicago, you can learn about the local species of cicadas and their impact on the city’s environment. These insects are often associated with the arrival of spring, and their disappearance in the fall can signal the changing of seasons.

In Chicago, like in other places, cicadas play an essential role in the ecosystem. Their genes contribute to the genetic diversity of the insect population. As cicadas emerge from their underground burrows, they become a food source for various animals, such as birds, reptiles, and smaller insects, and benefit the environment by aerating the soil when they burrow.

To sum it up, cicadas’ loud sounds and unique characteristics have made them a topic of fascination for their cultural significance in music and their impact on cities like Chicago. So next time you hear their loud mating calls, remember the role they play in both art and nature.