About the Activity

Have you ever wondered what makes that chirping sound you hear on warm spring and summer nights? It’s crickets! That chirping noise is crickets communicating with one another. Chirping is an essential part of a cricket’s communication.

In this activity, you’ll study crickets more closely to see how different conditions cause different amounts of chirping.

Materials

Activity Steps

Crickets are insects called ectotherms, a term that scientists use for what they call variable-temperature animals. What does that mean? It means that a cricket’s body temperature changes according to the surrounding temperature. In this activity, you will determine how temperature affects a cricket’s song (chirping).

Sound is one of the most important communication tools for crickets. They spend most of their time hidden away in grass, under leaves or other objects and almost never see each other. Chirping patterns are specific to each species, and females respond only to the song of their own species.

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Step 1: Tape the thermometer to the inside of the container.

First, tape the thermometer to the inside of the container.

Did you know?

Crickets were considered to be symbols of good luck and respect in ancient China and Japan. They were kept in gold cages where people could listen to their melodious chirping.

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Step 2: Place the Crickets in the Container

Place the crickets in the container and immediately put the lid on it. Quickly poke ventilation pinholes into the lid using the pointy end of the paperclip. Any holes you make must be small enough so the crickets won’t escape.

Did you know?

Crickets are omnivores, and they also scavenge for dead insects and decaying material.

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Step 4: Observe The Crickets and Record Your Results

Continue to observe your crickets and monitor the temperature in five minute intervals. Every five minutes, record your findings in the data table.

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Step 5: Place the Cold Source Next to the Container

Next, we’ll change the temperature of the environment using the cold source. Remove the heat source and replace it with a cold source.

Did you know?

Crickets undergo incomplete metamorphosis. Immature crickets (called nymphs) look like small adults, but the wings and ovipositors are not fully developed.

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Step 6: Observe The Crickets Again

Observe the crickets for another three minutes, and then for five minute intervals. How are they reacting to the cold temperature? Record your observations in the data table.

Did you know?

Females use vibrations from a small pit on the front of her leg to hear male chirps.

Test Your Knowledge

Investigate and Explore

The study of insects serves as the basis for developments in biological and chemical pest control, food and fiber production and storage, pharmaceuticals epidemiology, biological diversity, and a variety of other science fields. Next time you’re outside, consider how the air temperature might be affecting insect activity. Listen for sounds and see if you can notice changes in their behavior.

Crickets are usually heard chirping at night because they are largely nocturnal. It’s rare to hear them chirping during the day. Crickets produce many sounds:

• Mating Song: Male crickets use chirping to create mating calls.
• Territorial Warnings: Male crickets warn others to leave their territory.
• Distracting Predators: Crickets are the masters of ventriloquism. They can make it seem like their chirps are coming from somewhere else.

You might not hear as many crickets if you live in a city as you would if you live in the suburbs or the country. The next time you’re outside at night time on a warm evening, ask yourself: can I hear any crickets?

Career Connections

Who needs Entomologists? Everyone!  Professional entomologists help determine the role insects play in the spread of disease. Their findings reveal new ways that farmers can protect food, fiber crops, and livestock. Research also helps us learn how beneficial insects contribute to the well-being of humans, animals, and plants. Some career opportunities include:

• Federal government agencies (EPA, USDA, APHIS)
• State departments of agriculture and ecology
• State agricultural research stations
• Research
• Timber and seed production companies