Book 4, Question 131 · Video
Why Do Night Insects Sound Like a Band?
Crickets, katydids, and some frogs all clock in as night singers. Each species has its own instrument and its own pattern and tempo. So the woods sound like a messy, wonderful orch
Read the full answer →What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do night insects sound like a band?
The Big Idea
Crickets, katydids, and some frogs all clock in as night singers. Each species has its own instrument and its own pattern and tempo. So the woods sound like a messy, wonderful orchestra.
The Sun Sets
Step one: the sun sets. Day birds get quiet as the light fades. That leaves room for new sounds.
A First Solo
Step two: a first solo. One cricket starts to chirp, rubbing its wings together like a file and a scraper. Soon, others answer.
More Players Join
Step three: more players join. Katydids, more crickets, and frogs stack in, each with their own pattern. It is a band, not one song, and it says, I am here, and I am your kind.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look at the night band! A cricket chirps by rubbing its wings. A katydid has a different rhythm. Sound waves carry the songs through the dark. And the night yard is the concert hall!
Quick Facts
Quick facts! Stand still, because your feet are louder than you think. A jar is only for a short look, and then you let them go. Do not chase the loudest chirp into the brush. Night listening is a porch or trail job, with no wandering toward a mystery buzz.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! Close your eyes at dusk, with a grown-up. Close your eyes for 30 seconds at dusk. How many different instruments did you hear? Who was missing at noon? Write down what you heard.
Outro
Night insects show us that nature can be its own concert. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!