This freshly emerged cicada was found with its exuvia nearby. After leaving its underground life behind, it climbed to the nearest available vertical surface and began to shed its nymph exoskeleton. Free of its old “skin,” its wings inflate with fluid (hemolymph, a fluid equivalent to blood) and its exoskeleton hardens and darkens (sclerotization). Once its new wings and body are ready, it can begin its brief adult life.
Size: Around an inch in length
Photo by: Glenn Marangelo on 5/22/22 near Missoula, MT
