Every summer, especially when it's hot and humid, we often hear that non-stop buzzing sound filling the air. That's the cicadas, busy being loud. But they're not just making noise for fun—they're actually looking for love.

Today, let's take a closer listen (and look) at why cicadas are the loudest little romantics in the insect world.

Why are cicadas so loud?

If you've ever felt like the cicadas were screaming right outside your window, you're not alone. Cicadas are some of the loudest insects on the planet. The males are the noisemakers, and they're doing it for one simple reason—to attract a mate. That buzzing, clicking, or whining noise is their way of saying, “Hey, I'm over here! I'm single and ready!”

The sound comes from a special body part called a “tymbal.” It's located on the sides of their stomachs, and when the male cicada flexes his muscles, the tymbal pops inward and outward super quickly—producing that rapid-fire buzz. Think of it like snapping a tiny metal cap back and forth really fast.

How loud is loud?

To give you an idea of just how loud they are, some cicadas can reach up to 100 decibels—that's like standing next to a motorcycle or a jackhammer. Imagine yelling your lungs out all day long just to impress a date. Now imagine everyone around you doing it too. That's the cicada love season!

Each species sings a different song

Not all cicadas sound the same. Each species has its own unique song pattern. So even if hundreds of males are buzzing at once, females can still pick out the one from their own kind. It's like being at a party where everyone's talking, but you can still find your friend's voice in the crowd.

What's even more interesting? Some species sing in the daytime, while others wait until the evening. It's nature's way of organizing the concert schedule.

Do females sing too?

Nope. In the cicada world, only the males make the noise. The females respond in a quieter way—usually with a subtle flick of their wings. Once a male hears that flick at the right time, it's game on. He knows she's interested.

Why so much noise for such short love?

Most cicadas live underground for years—some for 13 or even 17 years—just to come out, sing for a few weeks, mate, and then die. All that waiting, just for one summer of singing. That's why they go all out. They've waited over a decade for this one shot at love.

It's nature's version of speed dating. Fast, loud, and fierce.

Why don't they lose their voice?

Unlike us, cicadas don't have vocal cords to strain. Their sound comes from muscle movement and resonance. As long as their muscles are strong and their tymbals intact, they can keep buzzing away without getting hoarse.

Is the buzzing annoying or beautiful?

That depends on how you see it. For some of us, it might be an annoying background noise that makes summer naps difficult. But for the cicadas, it's a beautiful, desperate love song. A sound of hope, life, and connection. If we stop and really listen, maybe we'll hear more than just noise—we'll hear a love story told through wings and sound waves.

Next time you hear the buzzing…

Don't rush to shut the window or plug your ears. Instead, smile a little. You're listening to thousands of tiny hearts putting on a concert. It's loud, yes. But it's also full of passion, timing, and instinct. The sound of cicadas is the sound of nature chasing love.

Hey Lykkers, have you ever noticed when cicadas are the loudest around your home?

We'd love to hear your stories or thoughts! Share with us in the comments: Do you find the cicada chorus soothing or stressful? Let's enjoy the sound of nature together this summer—one buzz at a time.