The Emergence of Periodical Cicadas: The Loudest Insects on the Planet
Summary
In this article, we discuss the emergence of periodical cicadas in the East Coast and Midwest. We learn about their unique anatomy that allows them to produce a symphony-like sound, attracting females and helping them reproduce before predators can eat them. Despite their blood-red eyes and piercing shrieks, cicadas are not harmful to humans. We also explore the biological imperative behind their loud and vibrant songs, their mating process, and how they start their 17-year cycle again.
Table of Contents
- Anatomy of Cicadas
- Cicadas’ Sound and its Importance
- The Biological Imperative of Cicadas
- Cicadas and Humans
- Conclusion
Anatomy of Cicadas
Samuel Ramse, an entomologist with the United States Department of Agriculture, describes cicadas as the loudest insects on the planet. Unlike other insects that rub two parts of their bodies together, cicadas have a unique anatomy that allows them to generate sound. They have a special organ called a tymbal that vibrates to create a symphony-like sound that can be heard from miles away. Cicadas also have blood-red eyes and piercing shrieks, making them easily identifiable.
Cicadas’ Sound and its Importance
The loud sound of cicadas is a key component to their survival. It attracts females and helps them reproduce before predators can eat them. Cicadas have two types of songs, one for attracting mates and the other for warning others of danger. The males produce a louder song to attract females, and the females respond with a subtle clicking noise. The sound of cicadas is similar to Tuvan throat singing, a type of singing that has religious significance.
The Biological Imperative of Cicadas
Cicadas have a strong biological imperative to mate and attract females with their loud and vibrant songs. Once they mate, the females lay their eggs in trees and die within a few weeks. The larvae hatch ten weeks later and burrow into the ground, starting the 17-year cycle again. Cicadas’ songs may seem like random noise, but they are a beautiful and emotional response to their life cycle.
Cicadas and Humans
Despite their differences, cicadas and humans share the same desire for camaraderie and love for music. Cicadas may seem like a nuisance to some, but they are an important part of the ecosystem. They are not harmful to humans, and their loud sound is a natural occurrence that happens every 17 years. Cicadas’ songs may seem like random noise, but they are a beautiful and emotional response to their life cycle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cicadas are fascinating insects that emerge every 17 years in the East Coast and Midwest. Their unique anatomy allows them to produce a symphony-like sound that can be heard from miles away. Their loud sound is a key component to their survival, as it attracts females and helps them reproduce before predators can eat them. Despite their blood-red eyes and piercing shrieks, cicadas are not harmful to humans. Cicadas’ songs may seem like random noise, but they are a beautiful and emotional response to their life cycle.
