From the archive record
Cicadas shed their skins and moult out at the end of the monsoon season, in early winter: red shells remain A cicada, belonging to the superfamily Cicadoidea and the order Hemiptera, rests quietly on the earthy ground, surrounded by patches of small green grass. Known for their distinctive calls and remarkable life cycles, cicadas are true bugs characterized by clear wings, prominent eyes, and sturdy bodies. While this individual remains still on the mud, cicadas typically emerge seasonally after spending years underground as nymphs. Their presence plays an important ecological role, contributing to soil aeration and serving as food for various predators. This grounded moment offers a close look at a species often heard but rarely observed so closely. Nature’s wonderous tree dweller and rh