Cicadas Response to Male Call
Females Response:
Female cicadas participate in a method called phonotaxis, similar to crickets, although their choice of mate is largely based on the loudness of their song [3]. When the female cicada hears the male call she responds by following the sound and landing nearby, within approximately 500 centimetres [15]. Once landed the female uses her wings to spread a pheromone that indicates she is mate ready. The amount of pheromone spread is indicative to her enthusiasm to mate, which is correlated to the volume of the males call [3].
Female cicadas participate in a method called phonotaxis, similar to crickets, although their choice of mate is largely based on the loudness of their song [3]. When the female cicada hears the male call she responds by following the sound and landing nearby, within approximately 500 centimetres [15]. Once landed the female uses her wings to spread a pheromone that indicates she is mate ready. The amount of pheromone spread is indicative to her enthusiasm to mate, which is correlated to the volume of the males call [3].
Other Males Response:
Cicadas do not possess an “aggression” song, and have not been observed fighting with other males caused by mating songs [3]. Male cicadas are known to simply move to another area and settle for mating elsewhere, when another males song is heard. This is done rather than standing their ground and creating a fight [3].
Cicadas do not possess an “aggression” song, and have not been observed fighting with other males caused by mating songs [3]. Male cicadas are known to simply move to another area and settle for mating elsewhere, when another males song is heard. This is done rather than standing their ground and creating a fight [3].