Song Energetics of the Bladder Cicada, Cystosoma Saundersii

Abstract

Males of Cystosoma saundersii produced their calling songs while tethered to holders. Oxygen consumption during singing was 0·136 ml min⁻¹, equivalent to 45·0 mW, an increase of 42·55 mW over the resting metabolic rate. Maximum sound output was 90·6 dB at 20 cm. The whole sound-field was measured and represents a power output of 0·35 mW. The efficiency of sound production is 0·82%. Heat production, estimated from the weight of singing muscle, was 28·7 mW. This leaves 13·5 mW of output unaccounted for. Comparison with other species of insects suggests that none are more than an order of magnitude more efficient than C. saundersii.