Swamp Cicada 1 & 2 by Leeco
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
Nikon 7900 pocket camera - hand held images.
Although I see the empty husks left when this critter molts shortly after emerging from underground, I rarely see adults or (as these images show) newly emerged nymphs.
By looking closely, you can easily see the 2 large compound eyes and the 3 simple red eyes that this little guy possesses'.
This insect is often called a 17 year locust but they are not locusts. Contrary to popular beliefs, not all cicadas belong to the 17 or 13 year varieties. Some have life spans of only one year. I see empty husks almost every year.
Thanks to those who take the time to comment.
Lee

Comments (23)
Ew. Ugly fellow. lol. I have never seen a cicada before. Nice shots.
Awesome macro!
THAT IS ONE UGLY BUG BUT THEY ARE GREAT PICS
Lee!The most interesting yet! And so very clear! Clean! awesome!
Amazing Macro and information, not the most handsome creature is it? very interesting nonetheless! Thanks Lee.
Whoa, awesome capture!
...ein Ungeheuer!!!! Wunderbare Macro-Aufnahme! Ich bin begeistert von der Klarheit der Fotots!
VERY interesting! This must be where some of the Science Fiction film animators get inspiration. An astonishing design, thankyou for showing us.
Great shots of this little "Monster".
Nice detail. I have only seen large ones maybe an inch and a half in length. Very seldom seen by me here. I have one photo series only. Well captured!
Ohhh I haven't even finished my coffee yet, but that woke me up! lol... I see these or mostly hear these out here. very interesting!!
With a possible 17 years underground a rare shot the best of times.. Great photography Lee
fantastic macros.
superb work. this is one of your best to date...
This has to be in your top ten images Lee, a fantastic couple of shots, I have never seen one of these little critters before. It reminds me of a giant flea of sorts, those forelegs look lethal as do those two sharp spikes on the nose(?) of the profile. Another critter that looks like it belongs on another planet, you must still have 20/20 vision Lee, you spot and capture the most tiny and unusual critters. Absolutely spectacular work. Bravo!!!!!
Very cool! I saw one of these emerge from the nymph about 2 months ago (I posted three images here on Renderosity) and it is truly an amazing transformation. Congratulations on these wonderful images!
awesome capture
A face only a mother could love. These are incredible captures Lee! Bunny
Groovy!
Pure beauty in this macro, details and colours.. Perfect
great capture...
God, what an monstrous creature! I thought they were just what we call "june bugs" here in Texas, the ones that hum so loud and fly into you if you are not careful. We see the shells all over the trees around here all the time. I thought I read that the true cicadas are not in Texas at all. Is this something completely different? Great shot, btw, even if I can't stand the things, gotta give you props for the excellent color and detail in this closeup.
O MY GOD WHAT A MONSTER.....excellent details