SciShow Tangents

Cicadas

Jul 9, 2024
Discover the world of cicadas, the vibrant insects that emerge every 17 years for a summer party! Learn about their quirky life cycles, from neon wing veins to their unique diets. Enjoy humorous anecdotes about eating bugs and a whimsical poem celebrating these creatures. Dive into the fascinating connection between cicada sounds and The Beatles, while exploring their ecological role. The podcast wraps up with fun trivia and entertaining insights into cicadas' impact on local ecosystems.
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INSIGHT

Periodical Cicadas' Unique Life Cycle

  • Periodical cicadas emerge every 13 or 17 years synchronized in massive broods in Eastern North America.
  • This unique life cycle contrasts with annual cicadas that have 2-5 year cycles but do not emerge simultaneously.
INSIGHT

Fiber Optics Detect Cicada Buzzing

  • Scientists can use distributed fiber optic sensing to detect cicada broods by measuring vibrations in cables.
  • This method offers a new way to track insect populations remotely and precisely.
INSIGHT

Cicada Songs Guide Parasitic Flies

  • Parasitic flies locate cicadas by their songs, using them as sites both for feeding and mating.
  • Both male and female flies respond to cicada calls to guide their reproductive behavior.
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