Walker's cicada: The one that sings 'tsuku-tsuku'

In Japanese, one cicada takes its name from its own song "tsuku-tsuku" plus "boushi" (a monk). In Chinese we call it the "jié-jié cicada" after the rhythm of its call, and by its scientific name Walker's cicada too. Its strongly rhythmic song is a classic soundscape of late summer turning to autumn in Japan. Let's meet this cicada that keeps time.

Its body and its song

The call of Walker's cicada is unusual: it begins with quickening "chirp" notes, moves into a high, sustained "tsuku-tsuku" middle, then slowly fades away — a little tune with a rising start and a gentle finish. Once you have heard it, you are unlikely to forget its rhythm. That is why it has become the Japanese symbol of "summer turning to autumn": hear it and you know summer is nearly over.

This is a medium-sized cicada with a greenish-brown body, and like most cicadas it uses its song to attract females.

Where it lives and what it eats

Its nymphs spend several years underground sipping root sap, and from late August into September is its time to appear as an adult. The adults feed on tree sap and live only a few weeks, using their singing to complete the task of finding a mate and laying eggs.

A note for grown-ups

You could try mimicking its call with a child: "chirp chirp... tsuku-tsuku... and stop." Imitating a cicada's rhythm is fun and helps a child remember its name. Getting to know an animal "by ear" often stays in the mind longer than simply seeing it.