The bug that sheds its shell is called an insect, and more specifically, it is the cicada. Cicadas are fascinating creatures that go through a process called molting, where they shed their old exoskeletons, or shells, as they grow and develop into adults. The exoskeleton is a hard outer covering that serves to support and protect the insect.
As a gardening and landscaping expert, I have encountered molts from cicadas in various outdoor settings. These discarded exoskeletons can be found attached to tree trunks, branches, or even on the ground beneath trees. They are often quite distinct and easy to identify, resembling the shape and form of a cicada but appearing empty and lifeless.
Molting is a crucial part of the cicada’s life cycle. Before a cicada can become an adult, it goes through several stages of growth and development, known as instars. Each instar is marked by the shedding of the old exoskeleton and the emergence of a larger, more mature version. This process usually occurs underground, where the nymphs of the cicadas live and feed on tree roots.
When it is time for a cicada to molt, it will crawl up a tree or any vertical surface and find a secure spot to anchor itself. It then begins the process of shedding its old exoskeleton. This involves splitting open the old shell and gradually wriggling and pulling itself out of it. The new exoskeleton underneath is soft and pliable at first but quickly hardens and becomes the cicada’s new protective covering.
Finding molts can be an exciting discovery for nature enthusiasts, and it can also serve as a reminder of the incredible transformation that insects undergo. The discarded shells are usually left behind, clinging to the surfaces where the cicadas molted. They provide evidence of the insect’s presence and serve as a tangible reminder of the cyclical nature of life in the garden.
The bug that sheds its shell is the cicada. These fascinating insects go through a molting process where they shed their old exoskeletons and emerge as larger, more mature adults. The discarded shells, or molts, can be found attached to trees or on the ground, serving as a reminder of the cicada’s remarkable life cycle.
