Cicadas Molting

These are periodical cicadas that only emerge from underground every 13 years in eastern North America.  They’re juveniles when they come above ground, but they molt into flying adults for the few weeks that remain of their lives.

We have our share of annual cicadas also.  Throughout the summer they can be so loud it’s almost overpowering, especially at sunset. 

I think that we’ve identified these cicadas as Brood XIX or The Great Southern Brood
Next appearance 2024

It’s hard to believe this guy is just a few years younger than I am!

Cicada Molting

You’ve probably seen the shell of a cicada before, but this picture is one with the cicada still inside of it.

Beginning to crawl out of his skin

 

 

 

Wings being pumped until he’s able to fly.

Benjamin found 6 of these little guys on our deck tonight and took these photos.