Cicada Molting into an Adult - Neotibicen sp.

This cicada was emerging from its exuvia when it came off the tree! We stayed and watched it until it was completely emerged and then set it up on a branch in a protected spot.

Habitat: Mostly coniferous forest

comments (6)

Flown Kimmerling

Lion

This is beyond amazing! <3 Ahhhhh! The whole process of ecdysis/sclerotization is just fascinating to me. Posted 6 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks! I agree, it's so interesting! I had no idea how long it was going to take, but this cicada was already 75% out when we came upon it. It didn't take too long to completely emerge, but long enough that my kids were starting to complain, lol. The joys of hiking with children ;P. Posted 6 years ago, modified 6 years ago

Flown Kimmerling

Lion

From todays JungleDragon Facebook post:
"A Teneral Cicada (Neotibicen sp.) Emerging from its Exuvia-

No, this is not an albino cicada. And no, there is nothing out of the ordinary in this photo! This is an individual that is in the process of ecdysis (molting), a complex process which involves casting off the old exoskeleton while secreting a new one. The exoskeleton, as its name implies, is a rigid external covering which supports and protects the insect's body. The "shedding" of this exoskeleton usually occurs periodically and is guided by the release of specific hormones. It is a metabolically expensive and dangerous procedure, but without it intricate developments in body plan and the replacement/repair of old parts would be impossible.

As one would imagine, the cicada is quite vulnerable while undergoing ecdysis. It is not uncommon for a cicada to perform a multitude of acrobatics and oscillations in order to free itself from its old nymphal exoskeleton (exuvia). In order to expedite its exit, it also begins intaking air and contracting its muscles, expanding its body and splitting the weak spots of the old exoskeleton. Once freed, it enters the teneral stage. The teneral adult exhibits a soft, pale body which will then undergo sclerotization, which involves both the hardening and darkening of the new exoskeleton." Posted 6 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks for the awesome, educational feature, Lisa <3. Posted 6 years ago

Ruth Spigelman

Lion

How awesome, and I love that you stayed to watch! Detail here is superb. Posted 6 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  It was really special - a bucket list moment for me. It was mesmerizing to see it slowly come out, to hear the exuvia cracking, and to see the cicada's body expand and contract as it started breathing. Truly awesome. Posted 6 years ago

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