The world of nature is full of amazing creatures, and one that stands out for its sound and life cycle is the chicharra, also known as the cicada. You’ve probably heard their loud buzzing during summer, especially in warmer climates. These tiny insects have fascinated people for centuries because of their unique behaviour, sound and life cycle. This article explores the life cycle and sound of chicharras, and explains why they play an essential role in the ecosystem.
What are chicharras?
Chicharras, or cicadas, are insects belonging to the superfamily Cicadoidea. They are known for their large, stout bodies, broad heads, transparent wings and, most famously, their loud buzzing sound. There are over 3,000 species of cicadas, found worldwide — particularly in tropical and temperate climates.
These insects are usually brown, green or black, with some species showing beautiful patterns or colours. Despite their somewhat intimidating size, chicharras are harmless to humans: they don’t bite or sting. They are simply known for their loud calls, which can carry over great distances in the hot summer months.
The life cycle of chicharras
The life cycle of a chicharra is one of the most fascinating aspects of these insects. Chicharras pass through three main stages: egg, nymph and adult. What makes their life cycle unique is how long they can remain underground as nymphs before emerging as adults.
- Egg stage: a chicharra’s life begins when a female lays her eggs in tree branches or soil. The eggs hatch after six to ten weeks, and small nymphs emerge, fall to the ground and burrow into the soil.
- Nymph stage: the longest part of a chicharra’s life. Depending on the species, nymphs can live underground for 2 to 17 years, feeding on sap from tree roots. This long underground phase allows them to grow and develop safely away from predators.
- Adult stage: when ready, the nymphs dig out of the ground and moult into adults. Their main goal is then to mate and lay eggs, starting the cycle again. The adult stage is short, typically lasting only a few weeks to a few months.
The sound of chicharras
One of the most recognisable things about chicharras is the loud noise they make. But why do they make this sound, and how?
The sound chicharras produce is called a “song” or “call,” and it is made primarily by males. Males produce these calls to attract females for mating, using a special organ called a “tymbal” on the sides of the abdomen. The male cicada rapidly vibrates this organ, producing a distinctive buzzing or clicking sound.
Each cicada species has its own unique song — some fast and high-pitched, others slow and low. Some species even sing in groups, creating a loud chorus. In fact, a large group of cicadas can produce a sound as loud as 120 decibels, comparable to a rock concert.
The sound of chicharras is often associated with hot summer days, as they are most active when temperatures are high. For many people, the chorus of cicadas is a sign that summer has arrived.
Why are chicharras important?
While their noise might annoy some people, chicharras play a vital role in the ecosystem:
- Food source: chicharras are an essential food source for many animals, including birds, reptiles and small mammals. The huge numbers that emerge in certain years provide a feast for these predators.
- Soil aeration: nymphs spend years underground, creating small tunnels that help aerate the soil. This improves soil quality and allows water and air to reach plant roots more effectively.
- Nutrient cycling: when adult cicadas die, their bodies decompose and return valuable nutrients to the soil, enriching it and supporting plant and tree growth.
- Pollination: while not as important as bees or butterflies, some cicadas help with pollination by transferring pollen as they move from plant to plant.
Different types of chicharras
With over 3,000 species of cicadas worldwide, some of the most well-known types include:
- Periodical cicadas: the most famous, known for their synchronised emergence. They spend either 13 or 17 years underground before emerging all at once in massive numbers, and are primarily found in North America.
- Annual cicadas: unlike periodical cicadas, annual cicadas emerge every year — although they still spend several years underground as nymphs before becoming adults. They are found in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia and Africa.
- Tibicen cicadas: known for their loud, continuous calls. Commonly found in North America, they are among the largest cicada species.
The cultural significance of chicharras
Chicharras have played an essential role in many cultures around the world. In ancient Greece, cicadas were seen as symbols of immortality, while in China they symbolised resurrection and renewal. Their images can often be found in art and jewellery.
In modern times, the sound of cicadas is often associated with summer memories and relaxation. For many people, the chorus of chicharras brings back memories of long, warm days spent outdoors enjoying nature.
Cicada emergences: a natural phenomenon
One of nature’s most remarkable events is the mass emergence of periodical cicadas. Every 13 or 17 years, millions of cicadas emerge from the ground simultaneously, covering trees, houses and roads. These emergences are so vast they can even be detected by weather radar.
While these mass emergences might seem overwhelming, they are an incredible survival strategy: by emerging in such large numbers, cicadas overwhelm their predators, ensuring enough survive to mate and continue the species.
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Conclusion
Chicharras, or cicadas, are genuinely fascinating insects. From their long underground life cycles to their loud summer songs, they have captured human attention for centuries. While their noise might bother some, these insects play an essential role in the environment, providing food for other animals and improving soil quality.
Next time you hear the buzzing of chicharras on a hot summer day, take a moment to appreciate the incredible journey these insects have taken — from years spent underground to their brief but important time as adults. They remind us of the beauty and complexity of the natural world.
Frequently asked questions
What are chicharras, and where can they be found?
Chicharras, or cicadas, are insects found in tropical and temperate regions worldwide. They are famous for their loud buzzing sounds and unique life cycle.
Why do chicharras make a loud buzzing noise?
Male chicharras produce the buzzing sound to attract females for mating, using a unique organ called a tymbal to create these loud calls.
How long do chicharras live underground?
Chicharra nymphs can live underground for several years, with some species spending 13 to 17 years below the surface before emerging as adults.
What role do chicharras play in the ecosystem?
Chicharras help aerate the soil, provide nutrients as they decompose, and serve as an essential food source for various animals, including birds and small mammals.
Are chicharras harmful to humans?
No. Chicharras are harmless to humans — they do not bite or sting. Their loud sound may be annoying, but they pose no danger.
What is the difference between annual and periodical chicharras?
Annual chicharras emerge yearly, while periodical chicharras emerge in large numbers every 13 or 17 years, depending on the species.