Cicada: แมลงตัวเล็กที่บินได้ร้องเพลงอันไพเราะของธรรมชาติ

Cicadas are fascinating creatures that capture our attention with their loud, buzzing songs that permeate summer evenings. Belonging to the order Hemiptera and the superfamily Cicadoidea, these insects are known for their distinctive appearance, life cycle, and remarkable vocalizations.

ร่างกายและลักษณะ

Cicada adults are easily recognizable by their stout bodies, large transparent wings, and prominent eyes. Their coloration varies depending on species but is often a combination of brown, green, black, or reddish hues. They possess powerful legs that allow them to jump considerable distances and cling securely to surfaces.

Cicadas undergo incomplete metamorphosis, meaning they develop through three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Nymphs are subterranean dwellers, feeding on tree sap and growing for several years (sometimes up to 17!). They emerge from the ground in synchronized swarms when mature, shedding their exoskeletons and transforming into winged adults.

ลักษณะ	อธิบาย
ขนาด	ตัวเต็มวัย: 2-5 ซม.
สีสัน	มักเป็นสีน้ำตาล เขียว ดำ หรือแดง
ปีก	투명하고แข็งแรง
ตา	โดดเด่นและใหญ่
ขา	แข็งแรงและสามารถกระโดดได้ไกล

วงจรชีวิต

Cicadas are known for their unique and lengthy life cycles, which can vary significantly between species. Some cicada species have annual life cycles, emerging every year. However, others are periodical cicadas, meaning they emerge in synchronized swarms at specific intervals.

The most famous example is the Brood X cicadas of North America, which emerged in enormous numbers after a 17-year underground slumber! This periodic emergence is thought to be an evolutionary adaptation that overwhelms predators and increases the chances of successful reproduction.

การสื่อสารและการผสมพันธุ์

Cicadas are renowned for their loud buzzing sounds, produced by specialized structures called tymbals located on their abdomens. Male cicadas vibrate these tymbals to attract females and defend their territories. The pitch and pattern of their songs vary depending on species and individual characteristics.

Females respond to the males’ calls with a clicking sound, signaling their receptivity. Mating occurs after a brief courtship display, and the female lays her eggs in slits she cuts into tree bark or twigs.

บทบาทในระบบนิเวศ

Cicadas play an important role in forest ecosystems as both prey and decomposers. Birds, squirrels, bats, and other animals rely on cicadas as a source of protein. After they die, their carcasses contribute to the decomposition process, enriching the soil with nutrients.

Moreover, the emergence of periodical cicada swarms can have significant ecological impacts. Their feeding activities on tree sap can temporarily stress trees, but this effect is generally minimal and outweighed by the benefits they provide as nutrient recyclers and food for other organisms.

Cicadas are fascinating creatures that demonstrate the wonders of insect diversity and adaptation. Their unique life cycles, intricate songs, and crucial role in ecosystems make them a captivating subject for study and appreciation.

A Note on Cicada Diversity:

While this article focuses on cicadas as a general group, it’s important to remember that there are over 3,000 species of cicadas worldwide! They exhibit a remarkable range of colors, sizes, and song patterns, making them a truly diverse and fascinating group of insects.