1950] 
Brues — Enemies of Cicadas 
75 
the capture of one or two specimens was accomplished so adroitly 
that there was no interruption in the rhythm of the chorus. Oc- 
casionally a cicada would let out a piercing shriek as the bird’s beak 
closed upon it, and instantly the whole assemblage lapsed into silence 
for a time while the kites drifted away. When picked up in the 
fingers the cicadas behave similarly with a sudden vocal outburst 
of unbelievable vigor, or if one is captured by a large mantis its 
prolonged swan-song assumes deafening proportions. Neither the 
mantises nor larger birds give any indication that they notice such 
outbursts, although they must have some protective value against 
smaller birds. In my own experience, the cicadas of more temperate 
regions do not respond so loudly to rough handling, particularly the 
periodical cicada which is very docile in this respect. 
Although the actual capture of the cicadas by kites must depend 
upon sight, the preliminary approach of the birds to the trees is 
probably influenced by the shrill and incessant singing of the in- 
sects since the birds lose interest during temporary lulls in the 
chorus. 
