Hatching of a Cicada

I was able to observe hatching of this cicada (Cicadidae) in Kentucky. This particular species has a 17-year life cycle. This odd number is an excellent adaptation against predators since cicadas are harmless and appear in mass quantities, but for only one summer every 17 years. No predators were able to synchronize their life cycles with this one. Photo Technical Data Size of the original (3 photos together): 8000 x 4000 pixels A 4000 dpi scan of an ISO 400 Kodak negative film; Canon EOS Elan II with a 50 mm lens.

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