Nature's Six Hour Process

I have always been afraid of and hated bugs of any kind. This is probably because of my brother. When I was 5 years old and my brother was 8, he put bugs down my shirt and pants that summer because he thought it was funny to watch me run around screaming to the top of my lungs; shaking my clothes as I tried to get them out. Brother's can be so mean at that age.

Last Sunday, I had plans to go visit my brother and his family, but I didn't feel well so I canceled and stayed home. I didn't even need to be in my brother's presence when I noticed a large bug on the side of my walkway to my porch. I said to myself, "I just can't get away from you and your bugs." It wasn't moving so I cautiously walked over to take a closer look. Into the house I went to get my camera.

My first look.

I was so proud of myself as I watched that large bug and took photographs of it for six hours. Why six hours? Because that is how long the process took; for this cicada to shed its shell.

No wings.

I took over 100 photos and it was so difficult for me to narrow it down to the ones I am posting. These 17 photos are all important, as they document this entire process.

Wings opening.

Cicadas live underground for 2-17 years, depending on the species. They feed on tree and plant roots. When they become adults, they come out of the ground and shed their shells. They sprout their wings, fly to a tree and begin their loud, high-pitched calls to find a mate.

Wings open to dry. Look at the beautiful wings.

This is only done in the warm summer months of July and August and that is why they are nick-named, "Dog-Day Cicadas." An adult cicada's life span is short. They only live 2-4 weeks.

Keep looking at the position of the green legs.

Look at where the legs are now. It is climbing down its shell.

The wings are dry and are now closed.

As I watched this cicada and saw that its shedding process was almost complete, my battery died in my digital camera. I went inside to charge my battery for approximately 5 minutes.

Almost at the bottom of its shell.

At the bottom of its shell.

When I came back to it, the cicada was gone, leaving its shell behind. For the first time in my life, I was upset that this insect was gone. After spending 6 hours with this cicada, I felt a bond with it. I really wanted to say good bye and watch it fly away.

I never imagined in my wildest dreams that I would be looking so closely at a large, ugly, big eyed insect; especially for 6 straight hours. And I do not believe in coincidences. I believe that I was meant to stay home this day to experience this spectacular event of nature, which only happens once a year.

Information Source: nature.mdc.mo.gov
Image Source: 100% own work.