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What type of sounds do cicadas make?

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Welcome to CoreFacts, where we're always short on time and big on science. I'm Danielle Eganhouse. Today's question is …

What type of sounds do cicadas make?

Cicadas make a variety of sounds, including very loud buzzing sounds. The males have tymbal organs that include rib like bands on a membrane that can be vibrated very rapidly by a special muscle. The sounds include courtship calls, and squawking sounds when the cicada is handled or disturbed.

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