Cicada (Platylomia radha)
Image Copyright David Newman
Last Observed: December 2015
Observed By: David Newman, Jean-Piere Odet, Supotch White
Cicadas are a widespread insect species that are most common in the tropics. You will seldom see them but if you’re anywhere near one, especially around sunset, you’ll know.
They make a high pitched, screeching sound that can be most disconcerting. They do this using a specially developed exoskeletal structure called a tymbal which they vibrate rapidly with cacaphonic results.
If they fly into your room you can easily pick them up by gently pinching together their wings and set them, and your ears, free.
Image Copyright Jean-Pierre Odet
Image Copyright David Newman
Image Copyright Supotch White
