Spring is Right Around the Corner

With spring coming to the mid-latitudes singing insect enthusiasts should refresh their knowledge of the songs of the early singers.
The Spring field cricket is certainly the first that we will hear singing from south facing slopes in mid to late May. In June the Protean shieldbacks will sing from their grassy homes at the end of the day.
It will be wonderful to have our singing orthopteran friends back with us as the season progresses.

New Singer on the Scene

Careful listeners will notice that there is a new song in the mix in the mid-latitudes. This swishy songster is the Protean Shieldback. Listen for them late in the day about an hour before sunset singing from grassy areas and roadsides. They start singing on the ground and as the light fades they move up into the taller vegetation or small tress. They might look fierce but they are harmless. Their song is very pleasing and a great note to end the day on.

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Click here to listen to the song of the Protean Shieldback