Lately, we’ve received quite a few emails asking for audio samples of cicadas and katydids so folks can A) tell them apart, and B) tell what species they are. There’s plenty of sites on the web that feature cicada sounds; look for links tagged AUDIO on my cicada links page. Two particularly good sites for sound files Massachusetts Cicadas and Cicada Central.
In my search for good cicada and katydid sounds, many people recommended the book “The Songs of Insects” by Lang Elliott and Wil Hershberger. I ordered it immediately, and it arrived today. I am truly amazed by this book (and audio CD). The book profiles 75 North American singing insects including cicadas, katydids, crickets, and grasshoppers. Each profile features two excellent color photos of each insect, a map of where you can find them, a description, and the audio CD that includes the insect’s song. The book is over 225 pages long, and a high-quality paperback. If you or your kids are interested in signing insects, there’s no better book to buy. All my nieces and nephews are getting this book for Christmas.
The authors of the book have a webpage featuring the songs of the insects featured in the book. Note that the book is lacking in species found in the western U.S. — if you live east of the Rockies this book is awesome.
Listing for bugs is a fun thing to do in these hot summer months — buy this book before the summer ends.
5 out of 5 Marvins.
It is available on Amazon.com.
5 replies on “The Songs of Insects”
how does a cicada protect self from danger? oh yeah this is for homework so try fast to get all these questions ansered. how is it diffrent from other insects? what are the stages in it’s life cycle
Wow great gift idea for boys, and some girls!
I just received the book & audio CD over the weekend & I must say that I wish there were something like this out when I was a kid. I always dreamed of having a reference book like this & now it’s finally a reality! Thanks Lang Elliott and Wil Hershberger! There is not enough praise for this book & cd set.
I SAW A GREEN BUG, THOUGHT I MIGHT BE A BABY PRAYING MANTIS, FOUND THE CICADA ON THE WEB, HE OR SHE IS REALLY COOL, THANKS TO SOMEONE I NOW KNOW WHAT IT IS AND SOUNDS LIKE. IF ICOULD I WOULD PUT IT ON THE WEB MY PICTURE IS REALLY COOL!!!!!!! HOPEFULLY MY COMPUTER WILL BE FIXED AND I WILL BE ABLE TO SHOW YOU MY PICTURE. HAVE A GREAT BUG DAY!!!!!!! CINDY FROM CHESHIRE, CT.
Another vote for this book–it is fabulous!