Among the diverse and vocal insects found worldwide, the African cicada stands out as one of the loudest creatures on Earth. Capable of producing sounds as high as 107 decibels, these cicadas can generate noise levels equivalent to those of a live rock concert or a power saw. This distinctive ability is not merely a curious anomaly but plays a crucial role in their survival and reproductive strategies.
The primary purpose of the cicada's loud call is to attract mates. Male cicadas are equipped with specialized structures called tymbals on the sides of their abdomen. By contracting the muscles attached to these tymbals, they produce a series of rapid clicks that, when amplified by their hollow abdominal cavity, result in the piercing sounds that are synonymous with the African cicada's call. The volume of these calls helps the cicada’s sound to travel long distances, increasing the male's chances of finding a mate. Fem incorporated into rituals female cicadas who are responsive to these calls will select mates based on the quality and intensity of their calls, an important aspect of their mating rituals.
Interestingly, while the loudness of their calls can be advantageous, it also has its drawbacks. The high decibel level can attract predators in addition to potential mates. Birds and other wildlife that prey on cicadas are often lured by the sound, presenting a significant risk. However, the cicada's lifecycle, which may include many years spent underground before emerging for a few weeks of mating displays, is adapted to minimize this risk as much as possible.
In addition to their acoustic abilities, the sound produced by African cicadas has cultural significance in many African communities, where their emergence is often seen as a sign of the change of seasons or as a signal of impending rainfall. This underscores the broader environmental and cultural impacts of this remarkable insect beyond its audiological prowess.
Despite their noisy reputation, cicadas play a valuable role in local ecosystems. Their feeding activity contributes to the nutrient cycle, and their emergence provides a food source for a variety of predators. As researchers continue to study these fascinating insects, the African cicada remains a powerful example of how species adapt their behaviors to suit their environmental contexts and survival needs.
