David Element's Wildlife Web Page Bugs 25

David Element

Wildlife Photography

and Digital Video Images

__________________________ Bugs 25 - Cicadas

CICADA Cicada orni

CICADA Cicada orni (m)

The Cicada (Cigale de l'Orne) in the lower photograph was so preoccupied with the presence of a nearby rival male on the same tree that the approach of the camera was ignored, allowing this exceptionally close view of an almost incessantly noisy insect (once conditions are warm enough) that is often difficult to approach. Equal compliance was demonstrated when taking moving images from an even closer range. This extraordinarily loud and very rapid clicking noise is generated by contraction and relaxation of the tymbal membranes in the abdominal wall with amplification being increased due to the hollow nature of much of the abdomen. A fuller explanation of this process has been provided at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cicada and this page also contains may useful references about these fascinating homopteran bugs. The characteristic black wing markings of this species are clearly visible in the first picture. In common with many other insects the colours alter with age and fully mature cicadas are generally much darker than teneral (freshly emerged) examples. These photographs were taken in the Petit Camargue, South of France where C. orni is abundant.