With cicadas, it's all in the tymbals

Swamp cicada (Tibicen chloromera) 

The hills (of Ijams) are alive with the sound of music.

At this time of the year, the singing is done mostly by insects, during the day, mainly cicadas. But it's not a vocalization, they use another part of their bodies.

Male cicadas have loud noisemakers called "tymbals" on the sides of the abdomens. Contracting the internal tymbal muscles produces a clicking sound as the tymbals buckle inwards. As these muscles relax, the tymbals return to their original position producing another click.

Roughly click, click, click. Very quickly. Each species produces a different clicking pattern.

Listen for them anywhere at Ijams.

- Story and photo by Stephen Lyn Bales.