How do crickets chirp in unison, getting louder, softer, and then . . . silence?

Question

Are they telepathic or is Jimminy conducting the concert?

Answer 1

The crickets are calling to each other, and are close in sequence, but not perfectly synced. They respond to the same stimulus, so if a person approaches too closely they will all go quiet, and when that person moves away they will all start up again.

Additionally the air temperature influences the speed of the chirping which enhances the impression that they are synchronized.

Answer 2

they are crickets thats what they do

Answer 3

they must have been having a concert!Adult crickets spend their days in shallow burrows beneath a stone, clod of dirt or a tuft of plant. They are most active during the night, and that is when males begin their nightly serenading to attract female mates.The pitch of the chirps is slightly higher than the highest octave on a piano. Air temperature influences chirping rates; the warmer the night, the faster they chirp. There are special songs for courtship, fighting, and sounding an alarm. Crickets were kept as pets in ancient China and Japan for their beautiful melodies. Crickets were prized as singing insects. Some crickets were kept in beautiful gold cages that only the rich could afford. Crickets were put in boxes in the bedchamber so the owner could hear a nighttime serenade. For people who couldn't afford golden cages, wooden ones were made from trees and bamboo.

"Did you know some people eat crickets?Cricket fighting was an ancient and popular form of entertainment.

Answer 4

They are not actually chirping in unison but are calling and responding to each other. They start when the temperature and humidity and their life cycle are at an optimum stage. Then they get tired and stop.