Insects produce a variety of sounds, with buzzing being one of the most recognizable. This noise results from rapid vibrations, often of their wings. While many insects buzz, some species are known for their loud, distinct sounds, especially during warmer months. Understanding these sounds offers insights into insect behavior, communication, and their role in nature.
The Unmistakable Roar of Cicadas
Cicadas are among the most prominent insects known for producing loud buzzing sounds. Male cicadas generate their characteristic calls using specialized organs called tymbals, on their abdomen. These ribbed membranes rapidly buckle inward when muscles contract, producing clicks that form a continuous buzzing or whirring sound. The cicada’s hollow abdomen acts as a resonance chamber, amplifying the sound, which can reach volumes of 80 to 120 decibels. Some species, like the African cicada, are considered among the loudest insects, with calls reaching 107 decibels.
Cicada sounds are mating calls to attract females. Their emergence occurs in large numbers, leading to a chorus-like effect. Periodical cicadas, found in North America, emerge every 13 or 17 years after spending most of their lives as nymphs underground. Annual cicadas, also known as “dog-day cicadas,” appear every year during the hot summer months. Adult cicadas are large, over an inch long, with robust bodies, prominent eyes, and clear wings; periodical cicadas are often black with red eyes, while annual cicadas are typically green or black.
Other Notable Buzzing Insects
Beyond cicadas, many other insects produce buzzing sounds, primarily from rapid wing movement during flight.
Bees are known for their buzzing from their wings beating at high speeds, sometimes up to 230 times per second. Larger bees, such as bumblebees, produce a lower-pitched, resonant buzz due to their slower wing beat frequency. Bees also use buzzing for purposes like “buzz pollination,” vibrating flight muscles to release pollen, and for communication within their hive.
Wasps and hornets create buzzing sounds with their wings. The sound can warn or indicate their presence, particularly when building nests or defending territory. Hornets, being larger, produce a deeper, softer hum compared to the aggressive buzz of some wasps. These insects are slender-bodied with a constricted waist, often black with yellow stripes.
Large flies, like horseflies, also buzz. These flies are large, often found near livestock or water sources.
Deciphering the Buzz: Sound Production and Identification
Insect buzzing sounds are generated by two mechanisms: wing vibration and specialized sound-producing organs.
Most flying insects, including bees, wasps, and flies, produce buzzes from rapid wing movement for lift. The frequency of these wing beats influences pitch; faster wing beats result in higher-pitched buzzes. This aerodynamic sound production is a common method for many insects.
Cicadas, however, employ a distinct method using tymbals. These are corrugated membranes on the abdomen, which males rapidly buckle and unbuckle. Each buckle produces a click, and hundreds of clicks per second create the continuous, loud buzz. Large abdominal air sacs act as a resonating chamber, amplifying the sound.
Distinguishing buzzing insects involves considering sound quality, context, and visual cues. Cicada sounds are continuous, high-pitched, and fluctuate in volume, often described as a whirring, droning, or electric noise, and are heard during the day in warm weather. Bees produce a softer, more consistent hum, heard near flowers or nests. Wasps and hornets have a sharper, more agitated buzz, particularly when disturbed, and are identified by body shapes and flight patterns. Observing size, color, and behavior aids identification, as species exhibit unique characteristics and habitats.