Cicada orni

804_1443 [Cicada orni]

This fascinating insect with its unique, erotic call to female cicadas

sometimes spends the night on the awnings of my balcony in summer

and grants me an opportunity to take a picture of it. This also happened a few weeks ago.

 

It is very common in central Europe and all the Mediterranean countries

where an expert can spot about 60 different species.

In Greece, there are approximately 33 species.

 

I was curious to learn some more things about this insect,

so I asked GPT for some basic facts about it.

Here is the answer I got; in case you are interested.

 

“Cicadas are fascinating insects with several unique characteristics. Here are some interesting facts:

 

1. Long Life Cycle: Some cicadas have incredibly long-life cycles, particularly the periodical cicadas of North America, which emerge after 13 or 17 years. These species spend most of their lives underground as nymphs before emerging en masse to mate.

 

2. Loudest Insects: Male cicadas are among the loudest insects in the world. Their mating calls can reach up to 120 decibels, which is as loud as a chainsaw or a rock concert.

 

3. Vibrating Membranes: The loud sound is produced by specialized structures called tymbals located on the sides of the abdomen. By rapidly contracting and relaxing muscles attached to these membranes, cicadas create their characteristic buzzing sound.

 

4. Temperature-Dependent Activity: Cicadas are more active and produce sound more vigorously when the temperature is warmer. This is why their songs are most commonly heard during hot summer days. 

 

5. Short Adult Life: Despite their long developmental periods, adult cicadas only live for a few weeks, during which they focus on mating and laying eggs.

 

6. Unique Defense Mechanism: Cicadas rely on a form of predator satiation to survive. By emerging in large numbers simultaneously, they overwhelm predators, ensuring that enough of them survive to reproduce.

 

7. Global Distribution: Cicadas are found on every continent except Antarctica. There are over 3,000 species worldwide, with diverse appearances and behaviors.

 

8. Diet: Cicadas primarily feed on the sap of trees and plants. As nymphs, they suck fluids from the roots of plants, while adults often target twigs and small branches.

 

9. Molting Process: Before becoming adults, cicada nymphs undergo a final molt where they shed their exoskeleton. This process often leaves behind the characteristic empty shells clinging to tree trunks and branches.

 

10. Cultural Significance: Cicadas hold symbolic meanings in various cultures. In ancient China, they were symbols of rebirth and immortality, while in Japan, they are associated with the fleeting nature of life.” 

 

 

303_4985 [Cicada orni]

 An exoskeleton of a Cicada orni. See GPT #9 above.