Crickets are common insects with unique chirping patterns and breeding habits. The cricket call is produced by male crickets rubbing the forewings with a serrated structure on the hindwings, a sound that can travel far and attract the attention of female crickets. Different species of crickets have different chirping rhythms and tones so that they can distinguish their own kind from other kinds of crickets.
The cricket's chirping is not only a courtship signal, but also a territorial signal. Male crickets will chirp in their territory to show their presence and strength, while also warning and challenging intruders. If two male crickets meet in the same territory, they engage in a vocal duel in an attempt to overwhelm each other with louder or faster calls. Sometimes, sound duels can evolve into limb duels, in which two male crickets attack each other with their jaws or hind feet until one of them gives up or flees.
Female crickets, after hearing the chirping of male crickets, choose their mates based on the characteristics of the sound. In general, female crickets tend to choose male crickets with louder or faster calls, as these sounds indicate that male crickets have better physique and genes. Of course, female crickets will also consider other factors, such as the size, color, smell and so on of male crickets. When the female cricket finds a male cricket that she is satisfied with, she will approach him and gently touch him with her tentacles to show her wishes.
When the female and male crickets agree, they begin mating. During mating, male crickets use their genitals to transfer a substance called a "chirping sac" into the female cricket's body. The sac is a nutrient- and hormone-rich substance that helps female crickets improve fertility and resistance, while also preventing other male crickets from mating with them. The size and quality of the chirping sac is related to the chirping sound of the male cricket, and the louder or faster the chirping sac, the larger or better the chirping sac.
Once mating is complete, the female crickets will look for a suitable place to lay eggs. Female crickets have an organ called an "ovipository tube" that can be pierced like a needle into soil or plant tissue, placing eggs into it. Female crickets will choose the spawning site according to the temperature, humidity, light and other conditions of the environment to ensure the safety and development of the eggs. Female crickets can lay dozens to hundreds of eggs at a time, which hatch into larvae after weeks to months.
The larvae and adults are similar in appearance, except that they lack wings and genitals. The larvae molt several times and gradually grow and mature. Before each molt, the larvae stop feeding and look for a hidden place to hide. After each molt, the larvae become larger and stronger, and new features such as wing buds, antennae, compound eyes, etc. The larvae eventually develop into fully functional adults and begin to chirp and reproduce on their own.
The chirping and reproduction of crickets is not only a biological phenomenon, but also a cultural phenomenon. In China, crickets have been bred and appreciated since ancient times, seeing them as a symbol of auspiciousness and happiness. People decorate and protect crickets with elaborate cages or jars, provide them with suitable food and water, and allow them to chirp comfortably. People also use different methods to judge the quality and character of crickets, such as observing their color, shape, sound, movement, etc. People also hold cricket competitions where they engage in voice or body battles for entertainment or gambling.
In the West, people have a different attitude towards crickets. People usually think of crickets as a common insect without much emotion or interest. People also don't like hearing crickets chirping, thinking they are a noise or distraction. People sometimes even use pesticides or other methods to kill crickets to keep their environment clean and quiet. Of course, there are also some Westerners who have different views of crickets, such as treating them as a cute animal or a useful food.
Crickets are insects with unique chirping and breeding habits, and they have different status and significance in different cultures. We should respect and protect these little beings, while also learning from them and appreciating the natural beauty they show.