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.
- Moving
images of
Cicada
orni may be seen at: https://youtu.be/3fMPmJXA04g
- complete with soundtrack!
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