Emerging by the millions
Periodical cicadas spend 13 or 17 years underground as nymphs, then emerge together in huge numbers, climb trees and become winged adults for a few weeks.
How cicadas sing
Males have a pair of ribbed membranes called tymbals on the sides of the abdomen. Muscles buckle them rapidly, and a hollow abdomen amplifies the sound. Large choruses can reach very high noise levels and attract females.
A mass-emergence strategy
Emerging in such large numbers means predators cannot eat them all, a strategy sometimes called predator satiation. After mating, females lay eggs in twigs and the adults die. The next generation drops to the ground and burrows down again.
Listen
What it sounds like: A loud, pulsing buzz produced by males.
To hear independent recordings, try Freesound. Check each recording’s licence before reusing it. See Media & Sources.
Further reading: The Loudest Animals on Earth and Why They Are So Loud
Conservation status follows the IUCN Red List as we understand it at the time of writing. Assessments are revised regularly, so please check the IUCN Red List for the current listing.