Who’s Making All That Noise? Crickets, Cicadas, and Tree Frogs

You’ve surely heard chirping during warm summer days and nights, but do you wonder what, or who, is actually causing that sound? Most people assume that crickets are the only chirpers making noise during the summer, but cicadas and tree frogs are fans of the heat too. Although these creatures make similar sounds, they have distinct routines and features.

Crickets 

Crickets are insects that are mainly found outside at night from the late spring to the early fall when the weather is still hot. These insects can be identified by their elongated bodies and six legs, and they come in a variety of colors and sizes. The ones that make sounds have wings. These chirping sounds, also known as singing, are produced by rubbing their wings together, but only male crickets can produce sounds.

Cicadas

Cicadas are insects that have black or green bodies and three eyes. Their orange wings contrast against their dark-colored bodies. Cicadas are born every 13 to 17 years and are primarily heard throughout the days because of the warm weather. They are most active from June to August, but they only live 4 to 6 weeks after coming out of the ground. These insects are known for their loud, high-pitched buzzing sounds. Similar to crickets, only males can make these sounds.

Tree Frogs 

Tree frogs — frogs that spend most of their lives in trees — are amphibians. They are most active at night during the spring and summer. Their moist skin helps them breathe, and their webbed feet help them grip onto a variety of surfaces. This type of frog consists of over 500 species that are usually green, brown, or gray. The quick clicks and croaking sounds produced by these frogs are quite similar to the cricket’s chirp and can even be manipulated to sound like ducks or birds.

There’s no doubt that these sounds can seem to come from one source, but next time you hear the noises of these cold-blooded and heat-loving creatures, ask yourself, which one is making all that noise? If you’re not sure, go outside and see what you can spot!