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Chicharras: The Fascinating World of Cicadas
The world of nature is full of amazing creatures, and one that stands out due to its sound and life cycle is the chicharras, also known as the cicada. You’ve probably heard their loud buzzing noise during the summer, especially in warmer climates. These tiny insects have fascinated people for centuries because of their unique behaviour, sound, and life cycle. This article will explore their life cycle and sound and explain why they play an essential role in the ecosystem.
What Are Chicharras?
Chicharras, or cicadas, are insects that belong 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 different species of cicadas, and they are found worldwide, particularly in tropical and temperate climates.
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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, but they are known for their loud calls, which can be heard from a great distance, especially 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 go through three main stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Their life cycle is unique because of how long they can stay underground as nymphs before emerging as adults.
- Egg Stage: The life of a chicharra begins when a female lays her eggs in tree branches or the soil. These eggs hatch after six to ten weeks, and small nymphs emerge. The nymphs then fall to the ground and burrow into the soil.
- Nymph Stage: The nymph stage is the longest part of a chicharra’s life. Depending on the species, they can live underground for 2 to 17 years! While underground, the nymphs feed on the sap from tree roots. This long underground phase allows them to grow and develop safely away from predators.
- Adult Stage: When the nymphs are ready, they dig out of the ground and moult into adults. Once they have emerged from the ground, their main goal is 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 do they do it?
The soundchicharras process is called a “song” or “call,” and male cicadas primarily make it. Males produce these calls to attract females for mating. The sound is created by a particular organ called a “tymbal” on the sides of the insect’s abdomen. The male cicada rapidly vibrates this organ, producing a distinctive buzzing or clicking sound.
Each species of cicada has its unique song. Some are fast and high-pitched, while others may be slow and low. Some species even sing in groups, creating a loud chorus that can fill the air with their buzzing. In fact, a large group of cicadas can produce a sound as loud as 120 decibels, comparable to the noise level of 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 sound of cicadas is a sign that summer has arrived.
Why Are Chicharras Important?
While their noise might annoy some, chicharras play a vital role in the ecosystem. Here are a few reasons why they are essential:
- Food Source: Chicharras are an essential food source for many animals, including birds, reptiles, and small mammals. The large numbers of cicadas that emerge during specific years provide a feast for these predators.
- Soil Aeration: The nymphs spend many years underground, during which time they help to aerate the soil by creating small tunnels. 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 provide valuable nutrients to the soil. This helps enrich the soil and supports the growth of plants and trees.
- Pollinators: 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
As mentioned earlier, there are over 3,000 species of cicadas worldwide. Some of the most well-known types include:
- Periodical Cicadas: These are perhaps the most famous cicadas known for their synchronised emergence. Periodical cicadas spend either 13 or 17 years underground before emerging all at once in massive numbers. These cicadas are primarily found in North America.
- Annual Cicadas: Unlike periodical cicadas, annual cicadas emerge every year. However, they still spend several years underground as nymphs before becoming adults. Annual cicadas are found in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and Africa.
- Tibicen Cicadas: These cicadas are known for their loud and continuous calls. They are commonly found in North America and are some of the largest cicada species.
The Cultural Significance of Chicharras
Chicharras have also played an essential role in many cultures around the world. Cicadas were see, because of their long life cycles, as symolssymbolsbirth and immortality in ancient Greece because ese cuin thecuin’, cicadas symbolise resurrection and renewal, and 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 sound 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 emergencies are so large that they can even be detected by weather radar!
While these mass emergencies might seem overwhelming, they are an incredible survival strategy. By emerging in such large numbers, cicadas overwhelm their predators, ensuring that enough of them will survive to mate and continue the species.
Conclusion
Chicharras, or cicadas, are genuinely fascinating insects. From their long underground life cycles to their loud summer songs, they have captured the attention of humans for centuries. While their noise might be bothersome to some, these insects play an essential role in the environment, providing food for other animals and helping to improve soil quality.
Next time you hear the buzzing sound of chicharrones on a hot summer day, take a moment to appreciate the incredible journey these insects have taken. From their years spent underground to their brief but important time as adults, chicharrones remind us of the beauty and complexity of the natural world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What are chicharras, and where can they be found?
Chicharras, or cicadas, are insects 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. They use 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 underground 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.
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