Two thick muscular pillars are visible, of a pale orange colour; they join at an angle, forming a ~V~, of which the point lies on the median line of the insect, against the lower face of the thorax.

Each of these pillars of flesh terminates suddenly at its upper extremity, as though cut short, and from the truncated portion rises a short, slender tendon, which is attached laterally to the corresponding cymbal.
There is the whole mechanism, no less simple than that of the steel "cricket." The two muscular columns contract and relax, shorten and lengthen.

By means of its terminal thread each sounds its cymbal, by depressing it and immediately releasing it, when its own elasticity makes it spring back into shape.

These two vibrating scales are the source of the Cigale's cry.
Do you wish to convince yourself of the efficiency of this mechanism?
Take a Cigale but newly dead and make it sing.

Nothing is simpler.