Crepitation
- Pronunciation
- /kreh-pi-TAY-shun/
- Category
- Behavior
- Singular
- Crepitation
- Plural
- Crepitations
Definition
A sound produced by the snapping of wings or other body parts, primarily used by some beetle species rather than cicadas, particularly the clicking beetles (Family: Elateridae).
Etymology
From Latin 'crepitus', meaning 'a crackling or rattling sound'.
Example
The crepitation of the beetle was audible even from a distance.
Related Terms
- Stridulation
- Sound production
- Elateridae
Usage Notes
Crepitation is often used by certain beetles as a defensive mechanism.