I went for a walk around 9am today. I headed for the Shiloh greenway and was welcomed by the sound of the periodical cicadas! I posted about my first sighting earlier this week.
I headed for the older trees to look for cicadas. I found a bunch of discarded shells on the trees, leaves and ground.
Did you know that those white strings are the cicada’s tracheal (breathing) tubes?
I changed directions to look at a different set of trees. Boy, was I in for a treat! A cicada was in the process of molting right at eye level! I took a bunch of pictures as the nymph freed itself from its shell, unfolded its wings, grew darker, and finally climbed away from the empty shell.
Below is a series of pictures taken over two days. They are two different nymphs, covering the entire molting process.
Isn’t that fascinating?
As the nymph was molting, an adult cicada came by to check out the action.
One other thing I learned about cicadas this week: they pee. Apparently, they will spray all over you if you’re in the right spot at the right time. Yesterday, I caught a picture of this one with a few drops coming out of it. It won’t hurt you, but consider yourself warned!
Have you seen or heard the periodical cicadas yet? Let me know!