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How do crickets chirp?

We all know the familiar sound of that shrill chirp-chirp, whether it's coming from the meadow outside our window or a hidden corner in the house. But how do those little crickets sing such a loud song? They must have HUGE vocal cords!

Actually, crickets (part of the Orthoptera group of insects which also includes grasshoppers and locusts) don't have voices at all. They create their strange sounds by rubbing their wings together. This process is called "stridulation." Like a miniature violinist, a cricket lifts his front wings, then drags the file-like ridge on the upper wing (the bow) across the sharp edge of the lower wing (the scraper). Membranes on the wing amplify the sound, just like when the bow is pulled across the strings of a violin!

Male field crickets (the kind most kids can find right in their backyards) have at least three songs: one that attracts females, one that woos the female after he gets her attention, and one that warns other males to back off. Crickets are also smart enough to disguise their "voices" when in danger. By lowering its "voice," a cricket can make itself sound far away. In some countries, people keep male crickets in cages so that they can enjoy their songs. Now, the next time you hear a cricket performing a heartfelt solo, or joining several friends in a joyful chorus, you'll know exactly how they do it!

To learn more about crickets, check out the cool Insect-World Web site and the project-filled Crickets in the Classroom page!

Or listen to songs of crickets from Japan!

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