While On My Way to Feed the Chickens

I spotted something on the wall of the house.

A cicada was emerging from its nymphal shell.

I was so excited to get to finally see this happen.  

As a little girl, I'd grab the shells off trees and stick them to my shirt, in my hair, and wherever else I could get them to stick.  

I knew what the adult insect looked like, but always wondered what it looked like as it was "hatching".

Now I know.

I don't know how long it took to get the stage you see in the first picture, but this series of pictures was taken over a 45 minute period.

All six legs are still trapped 

Front two legs are almost free

Here come the wings with the front legs

Four legs free now, as are the wings

Using gravity to help the process

All six legs are finally out

Slight vibration is used to help pull its abdomen free

Serious looking proboscis.  
It will be used to suck nutritional fluid from tree branches. 

Gravity helps

Wings fully unfurled

Sitting back up to pull out the bottom half

Hanging onto the shell so he won't fall

Almost completely out

Pop!

Finally free!

Gotta let those wings dry and outer shell harden

This diagram shows how the sound we all know and love (or hate) is made.

The male cicada makes the sound in hopes of finding a mate.

I can't imagine how loud the nighttime would be if both sexes could make the 'song'.

diagram credit: Florida State University

Last picture I was able to get before it flew away.  I tried to take a picture when his wings had dried, but he was tired of my constant picture taking by then.

If you'd like to know more about these cool insects, look here.

Cicadas, Katydids and Crickets typify the summer nights at my house.

Do you have a favorite summer night sound?