What is Stridulation?

If you have ever been outside on a spring or summer night, you have most likely heard the sound of crickets.  The cricket sounds is very recognizable, and you will often hear a symphony of crickets beginning to chirp or sing to one another.  The sound you are hearing is an effect of stridulation.

Stridulation is the process and act of rubbing particular body parts, called stridulatory organs, together to produce a sound. Animals such as insects, fish, snakes, spiders, and others use structures to create vibrations to resonate and communicate in order to attract mates, identify territory, or give warning signals.