Effects of temperature on chirp rates of tree crickets (Orthoptera: Oecanthidae)

Abstract

The relationship between temperature and chirp rate is described for three African tree crickets, Oecanthus capensis, O. karschi and O. sycomorus. Knowledge of the variation in the chirp rates of O. karschi and O. capensis makes it possible to discriminate between the songs of these species with a stopwatch. Their songs can also be used to estimate air temperature. When signals like cricket songs change with temperature, the response may also be affected. Some problems associated with temperature dependent communication systems are discussed.