The Reason Cicadas Sing Every Summer

 

The Reason Cicadas Sing Every Summer Every summer, the sound of cicadas fills the air. This is primarily for mating and communication within their colonies.

The songs of cicadas vary depending on the species and the situation, serving different purposes.

 

 

The Reason Cicadas Sing Every Summer

 

 

 

 

 

How Cicadas Produce Their Song

Cicadas produce their distinctive sound by rapidly vibrating their wings.

 

Mating

One of the main purposes of cicada songs is to attract mates. Some cicadas use their songs to lure partners or to help mature adults find each other. These songs have specific vibration patterns or frequencies that enable cicadas to recognize and identify members of their own species.

 

 

 

 

Communication Within Colonies

Cicadas often live in colonies and use their songs to locate each other and maintain social interactions within the group. This helps in sharing food and ensuring the safety of the colony.

 

Torrent-Oriented Colonies

Certain cicadas, known for their torrent-oriented behavior, live underground and use specific vibration patterns in their songs to identify members of the same species, promoting colony behavior.

 

 

 

 

Characteristics of Cicadas in Korea

In Korea, the cicadas that sing every summer are generally either the Tettigoniidae (pocket cicadas) or Gryllidae (cricket cicadas).

 

Tettigoniidae (Pocket Cicadas)

These cicadas have large, long wings, with females exhibiting particularly long, pouch-like wings. They typically inhabit trees or vegetation and sing high-pitched songs for extended periods during summer nights. These songs are often described as a “chirping” sound in certain regions.

 

 

 

 

Gryllidae (Cricket Cicadas)

Cricket cicadas are smaller with simpler wings and are often found on the ground or in burrows. They sing mainly at night, producing quieter and less high-pitched songs compared to pocket cicadas.

 

The Life Cycle of Cicadas

Egg Stage

Cicadas begin their life as eggs. Male cicadas sing to attract females, who respond with their own songs. After mating, females lay eggs in the soil to protect them.

 

Larval Stage

Once the eggs hatch, larvae emerge. These small, rootless larvae live underground, unseen above ground. They move through the soil, feeding on roots.

 

 

 

 

Pupal Stage

As the larvae grow, they enter the pupal stage, where they transform into adults. This stage, primarily occurring underground, can last for several weeks.

 

Adult Stage

After the pupal stage, cicadas emerge as adults with wings. They use their coloration and songs to attract or find suitable partners. The songs vary by species, created by rapidly vibrating their wings.

 

Death Stage

After completing their mating cycle, adult cicadas eventually die. However, some species enter a hibernation-like state to survive the cold winter months.