I took a drive to a state park about an hour away yesterday after work. I went there with one goal in mind, and that was to get some photos of the 17 year cicadas. For those who don't know, this particular cicada spends 17 years as a nymph, living underground and living off of sap they suck from the roots of trees. On the 17th year, they emerge from the ground, break out of their skin and turn into adults, breed, and die. Then the circle of life begins again. The first 3 shots are from yesterday, the last two from Saturday.

Great shots! We had cicadas here in 2004...my daughter thought they were very cool. :)

Excellent shots! I have never seen one, or I have and didnt know it lol

Nice series! I love the emerging one - I just can't seem to be in the right place at the right time for anything emerging (butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies, cicadas, ...:( )

Bravo to you and sushigaijin for capturing these.

Thanks everyone for taking the time to look and comment.

Loupey, the "emerging" shot is a little deceptive from this angle. That cicada appears to be have been lunch for something. The black part that you can see is the head and part of the "neck", and that is all that's left!