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Double drummer (nymph case)
Thopha saccata
-34.1105, 150.854
Field Notes
Description:
The Double Drummers are the largest cicadas in Australia, and the loudest insects in the world: at close range they can reach an intensity of 120 decibels! Seen here is an empty nymph case (or exuviae) found on a tree trunk. The split seen on the dorsal shot indicates where the adult emerged from. More information in the notes.
Habitat:
Dry sclerophyll forest.
Notes:
This specimen had a body length of 45 mm. Only male cicadas can sing, and they do this to attract females. On each side of the males' abdomen there are small pockets called double drums, which are used to amplify the sound they produce. The sound is produced membranes that are flexed by muscle action. These cicadas are more easily heard than seen, and what is usually noticed are exuviae left near the base of large tree trunks. Double Drummers form large local aggregations in tall open, dry eucalypt forests, heathlands and woodland. Different broods emerge in different patches of forest each year. At my old place in Brisbane in the summer at dusk they could be so loud you would have to close your windows!
Additional info from the Queensland Museum Wildlife Guide.
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