A few high notes of the cicada season in New Orleans

September 22, 10:34 PMNew Orleans Pet Services ExaminerKelly Jason

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  Tibicen linnei cicada. PHOTO: Wikipedia

If you’re dining outdoors at Cafe Rani, you have to raise your voice to be heard above the din of cicadas in the courtyard oak tree. When the shrieking stops abruptly—cicadas seem to do everything in unison—you’re probably gonna be saying something too personal, too loudly. And that’s why, according to a friend, the purpose of cicadas is to embarrass people.

While it’s comical to think that cicadas sit in the tree, listening to conversations and wating for the right moment to bring the orchestra to a stop, like most things in nature, they do serve a purpose other than annoying humans. Cicadas help their host trees by aerating the soil when they emerge from the ground, as well as trimming weaker branches when they lay their multitude of eggs. Of course, they also form a vital link in the food chain between trees and literally hundreds of animals, insects, and fungi.

But what’s all the noise about? No surprise here: it’s the male cicadas trying to attract females. Females can make a clicking noise with their wings, but even in large numbers, it’s nothing like the cacophony the males make. Only the males have tymbals, drum-like membranes on their abdomens that vibrate rapidly when they contract and relax them. The hollowness of their abdomens—and their sheer numbers—magnify the sound. Some cicadas sing in a frequency inaudible to human ears; alas, that species doesn’t live in New Orleans.

Each species of cicada has a unique call. To hear the kind found in New Orleans, as well as other ambient sounds of our city, visit Open Sound New Orleans and search for cicadas.

Note of caution for pet owners: If you have a big, goofy dog who likes to go after cicadas, keep an eye on him. Pets can choke on cicadas or gorge themselves until ill. Cicadas tainted with pesticide could kill a pet. If your pet eats a few, don’t rush to the vet just yet, but do watch for choking or vomiting.
 
For more info:
Café Rani, 2917 Magazine St: does not currently offer any cicada dishes but does serve delicious healthy food for lunch and dinner.

Open Sound New Orleans, a collaborative soundmap of the city: borrow equipment to record the sounds of your own neighborhood and contribute to the map.

Kelly B. Jason is the owner and operator of Pet au Pair of New Orleans, a local pet-sitting and dog-walking service caring for your furry, scaly, feathered, or winged creatures alike.