Why Are Cicadas So Loud? With Biologist Jill Smith - Episode 42

Nat Theo Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible

What is a cicada and why do they make so much noise? Biologist and cicada expert Jill Smith joins us to share about these amazing opera singers in nature!

Here’s our trail map:

• What Is A Cicada?
• How Do Cicadas Grow Up?
• Why Were There So Many Cicadas This Year?
• Why Are Cicadas So Loud?
• How Can We Wait Well On God’s Timing?

Episode Links:

Nat Theo Shop: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/

Order Nature Unveiled by Jill Smith: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Unveiled-Reflections-Experiencing-Creation/dp/1947297805

Jill Smith’s Website: https://jillsmith.my.canva.site/life-long-learner

Explore CTCMath with a FREE weekly trial: https://www.ctcmath.com/

Explore Apologia’s curriculum and classes: https://www.apologia.com/

Apologia’s Swimming Creatures Zoology Curriculum: https://www.apologia.com/shop/zoology-2-advantage-set/

Find great Christian books and resources at Christianbook.com: https://www.christianbook.com/

Free Cicada Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo42

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

Order Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: To the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years is as one day. The Lord is not slow in doing what he promised—the way some people understand slowness. But God is being patient with you. He does not want anyone to be lost, but he wants all people to change their hearts and lives.” 2 Peter 3:8-9 (NCV)

“Before the mountains were born and before you created the earth and the world, you are God. You have always been, and you will always be.” Psalm 90:2 (NCV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Biologist: A scientist who studies living things.

Hemiptera: Order of insects that are true bugs with a sucking mouth part like a straw.

Incomplete Metamorphosis: A creature that goes through a big change (metamorphosis). Begins as an egg, then several stages of nymphs, then adult.

Molting: When a creature sheds an outer shell (exoskeleton) as it grows older and grows new exoskeleton.

Periodic Cicada: A group of cicadas in eastern North America that emerges, or comes out of the ground, after many years. They spend most of their lives (13 or 17 years) underground.

Annual Cicada: Cicadas that live underground around two years then emerge. Different broods (groups) emerge each year.

Predator Satiation: When many creatures of a species are born at the same time, so not all of them are eaten by predators. Some survive and continue having babies to follow God’s design of making more of its kind.

Tymbal: A structure in the male cicadas that contracts (squeezes) then releases to make noise.