Power output and efficiency of sound production by crickets

Abstract

Male crickets produce calling songs that function to attract mates. Sound is produced when membranes of the wings are caused to vibrate during stridulation. Sound fields were measured for three species of crickets. Two species of mole crickets, Scapteriscus acletus and s. vicinus, call from within burrows constructed in the soil. Sound fields of the mole crickets were hemispherical and the power output averaged 4 μW (N = 22, range 2–22 μW). Power output was dependent upon male size and moisture content of soil surrounding the burrow. Efficiency of sound production was estimated to be less than 0.2%. Sound fields of a species of tree crickets, Oecanthus quadripunctatus, approximated that of a doublet source. Power output ranged from 2–17 μW (N = 6) and efficiency was estimated at about 1%.