Singing Cicada - Chyrıldak Kverulasy
Singing Cicada Querula - Cicadatra querula Pall.
Cicadas are mostly large insects that predominantly inhabit hot countries across all parts of the world. They live on trees and shrubs and fly quite well.
These insects are of medium to large size (in temperate climate countries, body length ranges from 23 to 55 mm). They have a short head with prominently bulging eyes; on the crown, there are 3 simple eyes forming a triangle; the short bristle-like antennae consist of 7 segments; the mouthparts consist of a three-segmented proboscis.
The front wings are longer than the hind wings, which are mostly transparent, sometimes brightly colored or black; the thighs of the middle pair of legs are short and wide; the front femurs are thickened and have spines underneath; the shins are cylindrical.
Many insects produce sounds. However, none can match the singing cicadas, which hold the record for producing sounds of maximum loudness. Even grasshoppers and crickets cannot compete with them. It is said that in South America, singing cicadas can produce a sound equal in strength to that of a steam locomotive whistle.
Sound organs are developed only in males, which have a pair of convex plates on the underside of their abdomen.
These plates vibrate, their surface retracts and then returns to its original position. As a result, a sound is produced that resembles the sound of a tin can being pressed inwards and then released.
Cicadas feed using their proboscis (and females also use their ovipositor) to pierce various trees and suck out their juices. Often, the sap of the trees continues to flow even after the cicadas have pierced them, and upon hardening in the air, it forms what is known as manna, which is a nutrient substance.
Cicadas lay their eggs under the bark or skin of plants. The larvae are characterized by a thick, clumsy body, a smooth and hard cuticle, and thick legs with single-segmented feet; the front legs have wide thighs and shins covered with spines (a type of digging limb). Young larvae initially suck on plant stems, and in later developmental stages, they lead an underground lifestyle and suck on plant roots. The larvae live for several years (sometimes up to 17 years), although the lifespan of the larvae for most species is unknown. After numerous molts, the larvae develop wing buds; the final molt usually occurs on trees.
In the customs of many peoples, insects have been assigned a certain role. For example, in China, during very complex burial ceremonies, a specially made amulet in the shape of a cicada, which was considered a symbol of resurrection, was placed in the mouth of the deceased.
Distribution: Northern Tien Shan, Western and Inner Tien Shan.
Insects of Kyrgyzstan
