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Journal of Experimental Biology 51,325-337 (1969)
Published by Company of Biologists 1969

Sound Production in a Brazilian Cicada

D. J. AIDLEY JUN. ¹

¹ Department of Zoology, Oxford University, and School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich

1. Some aspects of the physiology of sound production in the Brazilian cicada Fidicana rana Walker have been investigated.

2. Three types of natural song are described. Singing can also be induced by electrical stimulation of the head.

3. The tymbal muscles are neurogenically activated and contract alternately.

4. The directional properties of the sound field produced by clicking of the tymbal are described, and the physical properties of the system necessary to produce this directionality are discussed.

5. Removal of the abdomen does not decrease the sound intensity during song produced by electrical stimulation, hence it is concluded that the abdominal air sac does not act as a resonant chamber.

6. The means whereby the sound intensity is varied are discussed.

7. A brief account is given of the occurrence of the different types of song in the natural habitat.