MAGICICADA ECDYSIS

The following galleries were taken over the course of several years and consist primarily of Brood's V & X in Northern and Southern Ohio.

Nymph climbing tree trunk.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

The exoskeleton splits down the back.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

The cicada begins contraction movements.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

The cicada slowly begins to emerge from its skin.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

The cicada's head emerges from its old skin.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

With further contractions, the cicada continues to pull itself free.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

The cicada manages to free its upper body.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

The cicada takes a short rest.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

This process is exhausting work. Their new skin is white and frail.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Still dangling, the cicada is in a highly vulnerable state.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

After resting, the cicada begins to pull itself upward.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

Clutching its cast skin, the cicada begins to pull its abdomen free.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Once free, the cicada either clutches its old skin or another support.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

With more slight contractions, blood is pumped into the wings.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

The morning sun warms their bodies.

As the blood flows, its wings unfold and slowly expand.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Still clinging to the tree, the wings continue to expand further.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

The wings continue their expansion.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Note the black spots behind the eyes. This is believed to a deterrent against predators.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Almost there! The wings are now the length of its body.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

The wings are nearly fully expanded.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

This entire process can take nearly an hour or more.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

The wings are fully expanded.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Cicadas begin to emerge during the late evening hours and will continue to do so sometimes till late morning.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Despite their helplessness, they are quite striking during this stage.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Fully expanded wings requires more rest.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Once fully expanded, the wings will slowly harden and form their final shape.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Note how the hardening wings begin to fold roof-like over their back.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

With the wings in proper position, the remainder of the body begins to harden.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

As the body hardens, the new adult exoskeleton begins to change color and darken.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

It will be several more hours before their adult bodies completely harden and finish darkening.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Hours later, the adult cicada takes its final form. However, it may still be several days before it can fly, leaving its old skin "exuviae" behind.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

A pair of cicadas freed from their old exoskeletons.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

A newly emerged adult cicada clinging to its exuviae.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Newly emerged adult resting on its exuviae.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

During a mass emergence, old cast skins are discarded and gather at the base of their host trees.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Cicadas will often overcrowd themselves while competing for available space during a large emergence.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Columbus
Franklin County, Ohio

Here is a mature nymph that has failed to shed its final skin and will die.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

This adult has failed to emerge from its old exoskeleton completely and has become trapped. Eventually the poor creature will die.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Adults will gather by the thousands after casting their old skins.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

This cicada has failed to free itself from its old skin and awaiting death to come.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Numerous cast skins remain clinging to the leaves of trees long after the adults had departed.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

This adult male's wings had failed to expand properly after leaving its cast skin behind. He will never fly and is an easy target for a predator.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Many crippled individuals gather at the foot of a tree after failing to expand their wings properly during their final molt.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Empty cicada "shells" exuviae clinging to a tree trunk.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

A few handicap individuals clinging to a tree trunk.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Crippled adults sitting near the base of a tree. Causes for this is often overcrowding during emergence.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

A cast skin clinging to a leaf.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

A newly emerged adult clings to its old shell.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Several newly emerged adults successfully casting off their old skins and expanding their wings.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Newly emerged cicadas on a tree trunk.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Overcrowded cicadas on the side of a tree.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Cicadas of three, let them be....

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Newly emerged adults enjoying the morning sunlight.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Adult cicadas waiting for their bodies to become hard and darkened.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Handsome creatures basking in the morning sun.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Example of overcrowded cicadas with crippled wings.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Newly emerged cicada rests while another is still removing its old skin.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

A cicada has its wing trapped in its old husk and will eventually die.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

This poor adult cicada became trapped during its final molt and awaits death.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

As the emergence and overcrowded conditions increase, piles of the dead and dying continue to gather at the base of their host trees.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Trees become covered quickly during a mass emergence.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Thousands of individual cling to the tree branches and trunks.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Newly emerged cicadas dangle like Christmas lights while hanging from the trees.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

As much as 40,000 individuals can emerge from under a single tree!

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Columbus
Franklin County, Ohio

The branches of nearby bushes and weeds will often bend under the weight of hundreds/thousands of emerging individuals.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

These nymphs are looking for space to shed their skin.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

A difference time makes. A new white adult compared to an older darkened one.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

This adult is resting.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Another trapped individual.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

This adult's wings did not expand properly and will be deformed and unable to fly.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

A branch is drooping under the weight of numerous cicadas.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

A newly emerged nymph slowly climbs up a tree.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

This nymph reached the end of a branch.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

Satisfied, the process begins as the outer skin splits down the back.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

Contraction-like movements begin as the back opening widens.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

As the back opens wider, the new adult starts to free itself.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

Newly white exoskeleton becomes more and more visible.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

The new pale body becomes visible when the back of the old skin splits apart.

Photograph taken 2004 -
Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

With continued effort, the thorax and head begin to reveal itself.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

The head is freed!

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

The nymph continues its contractions as more of its body frees itself. Note the wing pads.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

The nymph continues as more of its body is pulled free.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

This particular individual is surrounded by numerous other vacant shells.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

Nearly completely free, the nymph leans back to rest.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

This is tiring work for a cicada.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

Note the string-like objects inside the old husk. These are what the insect had used to breath.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

The dark spots behind the head is believed to be a predator deterrent.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

The wings pads begin to fan out shortly after being freed from the shell.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

After having rested, the cicada begins to sit up.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

This is similar to an abdominal crunch exercise.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

The cicada begins reaching for a support to help steady itself.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

Its shell remains sturdy and fastened to the tree as the process continues.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

This is a very vulnerable time for a cicada for the animal is weak and helpless.

The cicada grips its shell.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

Gripping its shell, the cicada begins to pull itself free completely.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

The cicada is finally able to pull itself free.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

Once freed, the cicada can rest a moment.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

The cicada begins pumping blood into its wings for them to expand.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

Positioned beside its shell, the wings begin to extend themselves.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

After several minutes, the wings unfold to the length of its body.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

As apparent by this image, conditions during an emergence can be quite crowded.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

This cicada remains dangling by its shell while its wings finish their expansion.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

The wings extend past the abdomen once fully extended.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

Two cicadas at different stages of eclosure.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

Cicadas look brilliant during this stage.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

The morning sun warms the cicada's body with its newly formed wings.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

With further resting, the cicadas wings begin to harden and take their final shape.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

After a few hours, the rest of the cicada's body begins to also harden and change color.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

The whole process can take several hours.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

The final product after 17 years in the making!

Photograph taken 1999 -
Mohican State Park
Ashland County, Ohio

Within a few days, the cicada will be strong enough to fly and gather by the millions in the neighboring trees!

Photograph taken 1999 -
Mohican State Park
Ashland County, Ohio

A cicada that failed to cast off its final skin.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

So close, yet so far. This cicada didn't quite complete its final molt.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

Yet another doomed cicada.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

This individual never even began to molt and now never will.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

Note the final adult coloration trapped under the nymphal exoskeleton.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

A cicada rests in the sunlight.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

Due to overcrowded conditions, some early emerged cicadas will fall victim to those that emerge after who accidentally disturb them and thus disrupt their eclosure.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

This cicada has fresh wrinkled wings that will soon harden and become smooth.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

Wings nearing their final position.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

Not long later, the wings look almost perfect!

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

A new adult at rest.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

At last, the wings begin to harden as does the rest of the body that also darkens.

Photograph taken 1999 -
Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

The wings pads are noticeable as this adult slowing exits its exuviae.

Photograph taken 1999 - Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

This cicada is leaving its old shell with another another cicada doing the same thing a few inches away.

Photograph taken 1999 - Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

A cicada emerges under the cover of night.

Photograph taken 1999 - Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

A cicada stretching its legs while resting.

Photograph taken 1999 - Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

It's a boy!

Photograph taken 1999 - Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

This cicada choose a thin twig as its support.

Photograph taken 1999 - Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

A cicada preparing to sit up.

Photograph taken 1999 - Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

A cicada doing a sit up.

Photograph taken 1999 - Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

A cicada freeing itself from its shell.

Photograph taken 1999 - Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

A cicada dangles after freeing itself from its husk.

Photograph taken 1999 - Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

Wings formed and hardening over its back.

Photograph taken 1999 - Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

An adult rests while its wings take form.

Photograph taken 1999 - Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

An unfortunate cicada with crippled wings rests beside a cicada with perfect wings.

Photograph taken 1999 - Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

Another newly emerged cicada clinging to its old self.

Photograph taken 1999 - Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

A fresh adult cicada.

Photograph taken 1999 - Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

A newly emerged adult clinging to its exuviae.

Photograph taken 1999 - Brood V

Findley State Park
Lorain County, Ohio

A cicada just beginning to molt.

Photograph taken 2004 - Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

A cicada at rest while molting its skin.

Photograph taken 2004 - Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Still resting.

Photograph taken 2004 - Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

A cicada preparing to free itself from its shell.

Photograph taken 2004 - Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

A cicada expanding its new wings.

Photograph taken 2004 - Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Note these cicadas are minutes apart while removing themselves from their old shells.

Photograph taken 2004 - Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Several cicadas molting at once and in close proximity to one another.

Photograph taken 2004 - Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

A cicada rests while its frail wings are blown gently in a light breeze.

Photograph taken 2004 - Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

A cicada resting while dangling.

Photograph taken 2004 - Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Cicadas in the process of eclosure.

Photograph taken 2004 - Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

A new adult rests beside its old husk.

Photograph taken 2004 - Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Adult cicada next to an old shell.

Photograph taken 2004 - Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Thousands gather on the branches.

Photograph taken 2004 - Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Cicadas looking for personal space after a large emergence.

Photograph taken 2004 - Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

When conditions become too overcrowded, many cicadas suffer deformities.

Photograph taken 2004 - Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

These plants were leaning due to the weight of numerous cicadas.

Photograph taken 2004 - Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

These cicadas are easy targets for predators due to their crippled wings.

Photograph taken 2004 - Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Despite their misfortunes, these cicadas can still lead successful lives by mating and laying eggs.

Photograph taken 2004 - Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

During inclement weather, these cicadas will need to seek higher ground for survival.

Photograph taken 2004 - Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Many of these crippled individuals die within the first few days.

Photograph taken 2004 - Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Individuals like these are often located at the bases of trees.

Photograph taken 2004 - Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Several cicadas cast off their skins on the side of a tree.

Photograph taken 2004 - Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

These adults are so colorful, they resemble Christmas ornaments under the right lighting conditions.

Photograph taken 2004 - Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

These cicadas are eclosing without any difficulties.

Photograph taken 2004 - Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

This cicada's wings are forming perfectly.

Photograph taken 2004 - Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

This adult is resting its newly formed wings.

Photograph taken 2004 - Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

These will remain suspended like this for several minutes or an hour or more.

Photograph taken 2004 - Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Cicadas can be found dangling like this in the early morning hours.

Photograph taken 2004 - Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Adults looks very different from their old nymphal skins.

Photograph taken 2004 - Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

It can take up to a week before the cicada's body is strong enough to fly.

Photograph taken 2004 - Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

Their red eyes are radiant in the morning light!

Photograph taken 2004 - Brood X

Spring Grove Cemetery
Cincinnati, Ohio

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