Which Insect is the Loudest: Cicadas and Other Noisy Insects

The symphony of nature includes numerous insects, but few can produce sounds as loud and enchanting as the cicadas. These small grasshopper-like insects are known for their distinct and often deafening calls. This article explores which insect is the loudest, focusing on the cicada and other noisy species.

The Cicada's Song

Among the sheer variety of insects, the cicada is renowned for its evocative and atmospheric song. The cicada is a six-legged creature that produces loud, buzzing noises, often associated with warm summer evenings. These insects are not only fascinating due to their unique sounds but also for their fascinating life cycles and behaviors.

Green Grocer Cicada

One of the most prominent species is the genus Tibicen, commonly known as the cicada. In Australia, the Tibicen walkeri is particularly notable for its powerful song. This species can produce a buzzing noise that reaches up to 120 decibels, comparable to the noise from a chainsaw at full power. This makes it one of the loudest insects on earth.

T. walkeri is not alone in its ability to produce loud sounds. Other species, such as Brevisana brevis, a cicada species found in Africa, can also reach impressive decibel levels. This African cicada can produce a steady drone that measures a loud 106.7 decibels, just slightly lower than the American T. walkeri.

The Walker's Cicada

Among cicadas, the T. walkeri stands out for its alarm calls, which can burst up to 108.9 decibels, reaching nearly the intensity of a jackhammer. These calls serve as a warning to potential threats or rivals, making them particularly impactful in an auditory sense. The cicada's ability to produce such loud sounds is due to the structure of its tymbals, the specialized organs used to create vibrations that translate into sound.

It's worth noting that there are other candidates for the title of the loudest insect. In Asia, some species of cicadas are yet to provide precise data on their sound levels. However, T. walkeri is often cited as the loudest cicada due to its sheer volume and the intensity of its alarm calls.

Other Noisy Insects

While the cicada is one of the loudest insects, it's not alone in its noise-making abilities. Other insects, particularly those known as "drone insects," can also produce impressive sounds. For instance:

Drone Bees

Drone bees, the male offspring of the queen, produce a distinct and loud buzzing sound during their courtship displays. While not as loud as a cicada, their sound is very prominent and can be heard from a considerable distance.

Japanese AudioManager Beetle

The Japanese AudioManager Beetle (Katago-umi), scientifically known as Naasena nana, is another species known for its loud sound. These beetles have a unique mating call that can be heard from over 100 meters away, making them one of the loudest insects in the world.

Plains Narrowspine Katydid

Found in the United States and Mexico, the Plains Narrowspine Katydid, or Pristophora edwardsi, produces a buzzing noise that can reach up to 100 decibels. While not as loud as the cicadas, these katydids can still be heard over a considerable distance, especially in shrubby areas.

Conclusion

When it comes to loud insects, the cicada, particularly species like T. walkeri, stands out. While there are other insects, such as drone bees, Japanese AudioManager Beetles, and Plains Narrowspine Katydids, that can also produce impressive sounds, the cicada's distinct and often deafening calls make them the undisputed contenders for the title of the loudest insect.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can cicadas damage hearing? While not typically harmful to human hearing, prolonged exposure to the loud sounds produced by cicadas, such as the alarm calls of T. walkeri, can potentially cause ear discomfort in sensitive individuals. Do all cicadas make the same loud sound? No, there is a wide variety in the volume and tone of cicada calls. Some species are much louder than others, with T. walkeri and Naasena nana notable for their particularly loud sounds. How do cicadas produce such loud sounds? Cicadas produce sounds by rapidly flexing a set of drum-like organs called tymbals, which vibrate and create sound waves. The mouthparts and resonating chambers within the thorax amplify these vibrations.

Finding the Loudest Insect

If you're interested in finding the loudest insect, your best bet might be the cicada, specifically species like T. walkeri. However, other insects, such as the Japanese AudioManager Beetle, can also produce equally impressive sounds. To explore this field further, consider visiting areas known for their cicada populations, such as the southeastern United States and Australia, where you can hear the loud and remarkable calls of these insects.