A listener's question about how cicadas hear their own songs. They're known for their pulsating, rasping songs that some compare to a tin can in a blender. But you might not have noticed them since they're on the underside of the cicada's abdomen. A group of males serenades their intended mates, and the females flock to the chorus. The females tend to listen silently.
Scientists believe that female cicadas can distinguish between the calls of individual males.
It's possible they choose among their suitors based on the quality and quantity of their songs. The males radiate their calling songs through their eardrums. This cranks up the song's volume, which helps the insect to broadcast over a much greater range. Linus, thanks for your question. With thanks to the the National Science Foundation, we're Block and Byrd for Earth and Sky.