why do cicadas make noise

Cicadas make noise primarily for mating purposes. Male cicadas produce loud sounds using a specialized organ called the tymbal, which has ribbed membranes that buckle rapidly when the cicada flexes its muscles, producing a series of clicks that sound like a buzzing or screaming. The noise serves to attract female cicadas as part of a mating call and can also establish territory among males. Additionally, when many cicadas sing together in a chorus, their collective loudness can help deter predators by confusing them and providing safety in numbers. The sound can reach extremely loud volumes, sometimes over 100 decibels, and is a familiar hallmark of late summer in many regions.