As I was mowing the other day, I happened to notice these "lovelies" on a tree trunk, and I had to stop mowing and go for the camera.
They are, of course, just the empty "shells" that the flying cicadas hatched out of.
I noticed that each one has this little white string-like thing in it. I wonder what that was for.
Below is one near a daddy-long-legs spider, for size comparison.
UGLY, aren't they? Courtney was brave the next day, though, and examined them with me. She even dared to touch them (once I assured her they were dead and couldn't move).
I wish I could've gotten pics of the hatch. I've never seen a flying cicada, but an online search showed me that they are quite ugly, too. They're also very noisy when there are a lot of them!
5 comments:
Eeeew. This is the official first time I've wrinkled my nose and furrowed my brow while reading your blog. I like flowers and birds. I THOUGHT it was going to be a bird post. There was a bird talking to me on the balcony of our apartment yesterday. By the time I got back with my camera, it was gone.
Now you have to get your video out so we can hear these "lovely" creaturs. I always thought the Cicadas buzzing was one of the seasons in Minnesota. I actually miss them for a day or two.
A couple years ago Becky blogged on how they invaded Chicago and drove them all nuts. I will just wait to read her comment.
Mark
Sorry to offend your senses, JHRME. ;) But you THOUGHT cicadas were birds???
Next time I hear them, Mark, I'll capture the sound just for you (even if it offends Becky's senses). Should be soon! Nice to see you back commenting again... I've missed you! One might have thought you were awfully busy... or off at the beach... or something. ;)
I was beginning to think nobody was coming to my blog anymore, and I was considering retirement. ;)
I was searching for another post and stumbled on this one.
The shells are very impressive and the details are so well preserved! Still... EWWW! Since Courtney dared to touch one (5 years ago ha!), she must be a very courageous little girl!
Creepy and beautiful at the same time.
I agree... creepy and beautiful... but mostly creepy. :)
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