Why Do Cicadas Buzz So Loud?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hey there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do cicadas buzz so loud?

The Big Idea

That loud summer roar is a male cicada calling for a mate! Ribs in his abdomen click so fast that they make a buzz that can travel across a whole yard. It takes special body parts to be that loud.

Male Climbs

Step one: the male climbs. A male cicada climbs up a tree to find a good singing spot. From up high, his song can travel even farther.

Tymbals Click

Step two: the tymbals click. Thin, drum-like plates called tymbals buckle in and out, super fast. Each click adds to the buzz. The word tymbals is pronounced tim-buls.

Body Amplifies

Step three: the body amplifies the song. His hollow belly works like a speaker box, making the sound louder. Then the song fills the trees, and a female finds him.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look at a cicada! The tymbal is the thin plate that clicks to make the sound. The hollow abdomen works like a speaker. The wings are clear, and they rest along the body. And big eyes help the cicada see.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! The loudest songs usually come from males. The empty skins you see on tree trunks are leftover molts. A whole chorus can be louder than a conversation. Enjoy the noise, and do not collect every cicada in a jar.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, listen on a hot afternoon, and then on a cool evening. When was the chorus stronger? What might the temperature change? Write down what you heard.

Outro

A tiny insect with a giant voice! Now you know that the buzz comes from clicking plates and a hollow belly that works like a speaker. Next summer, listen closely, and see if you can tell when the chorus is loudest! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!