CICADA ECDYSIS

MYTHILI THAMAIYANTHI ROSHINI KASTHURI SIVANESAN DHARSHAN

The first step in the process shows the new Cicada half-way outside of its old shell. The shell is firmly attached to the side of a stone and clearly split down the middle. That abandoned shell is usually the sign that most of us see to let us know that Cicadas have burst onto our summer scene.

Another great shot of the new Cicada splitting its old "skin". One of the more unique things about this process that's clearly inherent in these images is the color to which the new Cicadas appear as sort of a lime green. As most know, they'll eventually darken with some noticeable red details after the molting process is completed.

An excellent shot of the "newly birthed" Cicada on top of its old skin. Wings are clearly visible, as is the detail on the top of the body including the very identifiable eyes on either side of the head.

The final step (shown above) shows the Cicada next to the abandoned shell, now split and fully empty. The Cicada will eventually adopt different colors once its new body hardens (shown below).