Cicada noise mechanism, diagram C018 / 0296
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Cicada noise mechanism, diagram C018 / 0296
Cicada noise mechanism, diagram. Cicadas are insects forming the family Cicadidae. Male cicadas produce a rhythmic mating calls, a loud clicking sound from stridulatory organs on their abdomen. These are a set of oscillating membranes in an abdominal cavity near the wings (lower left). The semi-rigid, arched membrane, or tymbal, is pulled out of shape by specialised muscles (red, yellow arrow at right) to produce a loud click (yellow sound waves at lower right). The membrane flicks back and forth, producing 120-600 clicks per second. This winged stage lives for around a month. Most of the life cycle is the nymph, feeding underground on the sap of tree roots
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9238065
© CLAUS LUNAU/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Abdomen Abdominal Cavity Animal Body Arrow Arrows Biomechanics Breeding Cicada Cicadidae Diagram Entomological Loud Mechanism Membrane Noise Organs Reproducing Reproduction Sound Sounds Vibrating Winged Wings Audible Click Clicking Cutouts Mating Call
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the intricate cicada noise mechanism, providing a fascinating glimpse into the world of these remarkable insects. The diagram, labeled C018 / 0296, highlights the unique stridulatory organs located on the male cicada's abdomen that are responsible for producing their rhythmic mating calls. The image reveals a set of oscillating membranes nestled in an abdominal cavity near the wings. Known as tymbals, these semi-rigid and arched membranes play a crucial role in generating the loud clicking sound characteristic of male cicadas during courtship. Specialized muscles (indicated by red and yellow arrows) exert force on the tymbal to distort its shape and create a resounding click. With astonishing speed and precision, this vibrating membrane flicks back and forth up to an astounding rate of 120-600 clicks per second (as depicted by yellow sound waves). This winged stage represents just one month in their life cycle; however, most of their existence is spent underground as nymphs feeding on tree root sap. Illustrating various aspects such as anatomy, biology, reproduction, and entomology, this artwork captures both scientific intricacy and natural beauty. Against a pristine white background with cut-out details emphasized by arrows throughout the diagram adds clarity to understanding this mesmerizing phenomenon. Photographed by Claus Lunau for Science Photo Library, this image provides valuable insight into how cicadas communicate through audible vibrations while showcasing nature's incredible adaptability within animal bodies.
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