Batwing Cicada - Cryptotympana aquila

The dark part of its wing pattern looks like the batman symbol.

*Pinned specimen

comments (14)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Like a flying tank. Excellent series, love how you're adding perspectives. A lot of work to document a species this way, but very valuable. Posted 3 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Yes! It's pretty big (~120 mm wide) and I just read that its common name is the 'Batwing Cicada', which is so appropriate. I don't get additional perspectives with many specimens because they are so old and crusty. It's not uncommon for them to be falling apart as I am posing and photographing them ;P. I have had to glue bits back on more than once and shoot quickly.
  
  This cicada (below) was actually crumbling and slipping off the mount as I was shooting. The abdomen turned to dust.
  
  Posted 3 years ago, modified 3 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    Lol that really is old. Posted 3 years ago
  2. 1. Christine Young
      
      Lion
      
      I was whispering to it: "Please, noooo..." and was just hoping it would hang on until I got a few shots. Posted 3 years ago, modified 3 years ago
    2. 1. Ferdy Christant
        
        Lion
        
        I'm literally confused now. I have discovered that the incorrect usage of the word "literally" is a good age determination algorithm. It's basically early thirties and younger.
        
        Now you broke that mechanism :)
        
        Posted 3 years ago, modified 3 years ago
      2. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        Hmm, I have no idea what you mean. ;P Posted 3 years ago, modified 3 years ago
        
        Ferdy Christant
        
        Lion
        
        Oh really? Or sarcastic? Posted 3 years ago
        
        Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        Sarcastic, lol. And, look at the above comments to see how naughty I was. I have felt guilty all day over it. Posted 3 years ago, modified 3 years ago
        
        Ferdy Christant
        
        Lion
        
        Must be revenge for that Andean Condor thing. Posted 3 years ago
        
        Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        I was trying to be patient, but couldn't wait any longer. Although, it wasn't worth it in the end because of the guilt factor. Posted 3 years ago

William Bodine

Lion

I am no Batman fan but I did compare the Batman symbol to the image above. I can see the resemblance.

I agree with you that it is very difficult to work with older specimens. Legs, antennae are usually the first to drop off and then the abdomen or even a head follows. Posted 3 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  It can be a challenge, for sure! Posted 3 years ago