Double Drummer Cicada Enamel Ornament

In much of the Northern Hemisphere, nature rests quietly in December. Birds leave or cease singing for the winter, and insects seem to vanish completely.

But in the Land Down Under, the sounds of summer ring out from the treetops.

The Double Drummer is Australia’s largest cicada and the world’s loudest - so loud, in fact, that birds can’t stand to sit in the same tree as a swarm, which can reach levels of 120 decibels!

Male cicadas create sound and attract females with specialized vibrating membranes called tymbals. Double Drummer males have unique sac-like coverings over both tymbals, which amplify their call and give them their name.

After mating, females lay eggs in tree twigs. After hatching, the tiny nymphs drop to the earth, tunnel down, and feed on tree root sap for 4 to 6 years before emerging as adults.

This soft enamel ornament is originally from our December 2022 Bug Box. Held by a red ribbon, it comes nestled inside a keepsake jewelry box.

Public drop date: January 6, 2023.