David Element
Wildlife
Photography and Digital Video Images
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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 many 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.
- David’s short film of Cicada
orni may be seen at: https://youtu.be/3fMPmJXA04g - complete with
soundtrack!
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