The shed skin of a Magicicada  periodical cicada.

Allerton Park, Illinois, USA
The shed skin of a periodical cicada hangs from a twig in an eastern deciduous forest.

Allerton Park, Illinois, USA
A 13-year periodical cicada, Magicicada sp., from the great southern brood (Brood XIX) that emerged in 2011. The immature forms of these insects live for years in underground burrows drinking liquid from the xylem of tree roots. Adults live only a few weeks.

Allerton Park, Illinois, USA
The shed skin of a Magicicada periodical cicada.

Allerton Park, Illinois, USA
The shed skin of a Magicicada  periodical cicada.

Allerton Park, Illinois, USA
The shed skin of a Magicicada periodical cicada.

Allerton Park, Illinois, USA
See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013