This all started a bit grimly, with a flattened cicada being attacked by ants and a dead beetle who probably couldn’t get to soil. But there’s always a story to be told, and her story lies in the video above! 🙃

Above is some video of the shell left behind, shot in normal mode. I get to ramble on about bugs which is always a joy.

Next is the same shell shot with my relatively cheap clip-on macro lens. It’s incredible to see the detail up close. The hairs, the white filaments, all incredible. Here are some of the best photos from the day.

This is where she was found.

This is me stealing her on a piece of bark (also stolen).

This is her in her mostly hardened state.

Finally, we have the shell itself. Who would have thought incomplete metamorphosis (hemimetabolism) would be so cool!

It’s always a little bittersweet writing this up knowing she is gone. I guess the only comfort I have is the possibility that she passed on her genetics to future cicadas. Catch you at the rainbow bridge, little one!