What is all this talk of cicadas lately in the United States? You might be wondering why the media has featured it, but in fact, the discussion about cicadas has emerged about as predictably as the cicadas themselves from their underground refuge. Let’s get oriented with some background on cicadas.
What is a cicada? A typical definition will at least tell you that the cicada is a large, loud insect with long transparent wings, mostly found in warm countries. A more detailed response might also inform you that cicadas have short antennae and wide-set eyes that jut out, with delicate, translucent wings – and that not only is the cicada loud, but few creatures make a louder sound. In fact, it is male cicadas that are the noisy ones, to the tune of 80 to 100 decibels, which is like the roar of a loud engine. This is because male cicadas make a strident, high buzzing by vibrating two membranes on their abdomen called tymbals, effectively turning its body into a kind of echo chamber or drum. Female cicadas cannot replicate the buzzing, though they respond with a clicking sound when they are ready to mate.
Although there are several species of cicada, mating typically takes place in trees whereafter the female deposits the eggs into the bark. When the eggs hatch, the larval cicadas, called nymphs, drop to the ground and burrow. They then live as nymphs for most of their lives over 6 feet underground, with both male and female cicadas dying within weeks of their emergence from the soil. This is particularly true for North American cicadas, especially the Magiccodo, or periodical cicadas, which regularly…
Which of the following is the most likely reason male cicadas make a buzzing sound?
A.
To locate food sources
B.
To attract a mate
C.
To ward off predators
D.
To orient via echolocation
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is B. To attract a mate.
Male cicadas produce a loud buzzing sound primarily as a mating call to attract female cicadas. This behavior is an essential part of their reproductive cycle, particularly among species like periodical cicadas, which emerge in large numbers after spending most of their lives underground.
Cicadas, especially males, are known for their loud calls, with sound levels ranging between 80 to 100 decibels. The buzzing noise is produced by specialized structures on their bodies called tymbals, which are located on either side of their abdomen. These tymbals rapidly vibrate, causing the male cicada’s entire body to resonate and amplify the sound. The sound is not random but rather a mating call designed to attract females of the same species.
The lifecycle of cicadas further explains the importance of this sound. Periodical cicadas, particularly in the United States, spend the majority of their lives underground as nymphs, feeding on plant roots for nourishment. After emerging, their primary goal is to reproduce before they die, often within a few weeks. The emergence of male cicadas is synchronized with large numbers of the same species, and the noise they generate serves to alert females to their presence, helping to ensure successful mating during this brief period above ground.
This buzzing also helps male cicadas compete with other males. The loudest and most persistent males are more likely to catch the attention of females, increasing their chances of reproduction. This mating call is particularly effective because it carries over long distances, even through dense foliage in forested areas where cicadas often thrive.
Though the noise may seem overwhelming to humans, it plays a vital role in the survival of the cicada species.