Adult cicada

7446.       At least 3 cm long. Montréal, QC. Canada

Number 7446.      This is an adult cicada (Hemiptera/Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadidae) emerging from its nymphal ‘shell’; it will gradually change colour and harden its skin over the next few hours, and then fly off in search of a mate. Cicadas of this type often are referred to as ‘annual’ or ‘dog-day’ cicadas, as some emerge every year (usually after midsummer) after spending several years as nymphs feeding on tree roots underground.