This cicada shell on a pine tree was photographed by little old me in Arkansas yesterday. The photo of me taking this image is by my dear friend, Steve Creek.

Cicada shell on a pine tree, Sebastian County, ArkansasCicada shell on a pine tree – Canon R7, handheld, f13, 1/50, ISO 800, Canon 100-400mm at 400mm, natural light

I knew the cicada shells, or exuviae, had been on the trees for nearly a week, and I finally took images of them yesterday. I would have loved to photograph the cicadas emerging from their shells, but sadly, I didn’t get to see that happen. Maybe next year I will.

I love hearing the cicadas, even though they are quite noisy.

I’ve taken a few images of cicadas this summer but haven’t processed them yet. One was on a leaf on a tree, and the other had been paralyzed by an Eastern Cicada Killer Wasp. See Steve’s interesting post about those wasps here.

Mia McPherson photographing a cicada shell on a tree, Sebastian County, ArkansasMia McPherson photographing a cicada shell on a tree – By Steve Creek, used with permission

Then there’s this photo of me taking pictures of cicada shells, taken by Steve Creek. No, I didn’t know my photo was being taken, but I don’t mind that Steve took it. I’m just more comfortable behind a camera than I am in front of one.

The background of this photo is a garden shed. Not pretty, but a lot of garden sheds aren’t. They are simply utilitarian in nature.

In case you’re wondering, my hat says “Just Breathe” and shows a dandelion seed head with a few seeds floating away. As an Army Brat, I’ve always considered myself a dandelion, blooming wherever I’m planted. I wear that hat often.

And now you know the rest of the story.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my insect and spider photos plus facts and information about them.