SEMINAR: Production of loud pure-tone sounds by insects

Abstract: Many insects produce loud songs in which either mechanical or acoustical resonators are involved. The nature and properties of resonators, and how they are excited for insect sound production, will be discussed. The excitation of crickets' wings by a file and scraper and the buckling of the tymbal of cicadas are described as contrasting resonant systems that determine the song frequency. The problem of efficient sound radiation from small sound sources has led to the evolution of various types of baffle or secondary resonator, such as the cicada abdomen or different types of cricket burrows, all of which improve the coupling between the vibrating regions of the insects' body and the surrounding air, and thus greatly increase the loudness of the insects' song while maintaining its tonal purity.