I felt very lucky to have been a part of Randy’s life. Even if it was just a short time. Though in the over scheme of Randy’s adult life I witness 16% of his adult time. Which in human years would be about 10 years. If I calculated it right. FYI I let him go yesterday. 🙂 Adult cicadas only live about two weeks.
At the bottom of the jar about to be released.
The big moment, freedom!
Was Randy ok? Well, I nudged his wing to check further. And he moved ever so slowly.
Randy definitely was most cooperative!
Last top view!
Randy goes for the scruffy look up close. 🙂
Randy didn’t seem to be any hurry to go anywhere while I was looking. And goodness he really blended in. So I decided to complete my walk in our woods. That was about 15 more minutes. He was right where I had left him. Then I said my farewell. A couple hours later I returned and Randy was no where to be found. Have a good life Randy!
Once home I took photos of Randy’s former self, the exuvia.
Since I now know how to tell a male and female cicada apart, I took the rear photo. The female cicada’s abdomen tapers to a pointed abdomen. Males are rounded. So now I will be looking to see if this obvious with an exuvia.
So I am keeping Randy’s exuvia and plan to compare future exuvia. Indeed I will let you know what I find. 🙂
Good luck Randy. I’ve been laughing at movies for years when they attribute the hawk call to an eagle. But it sure sounds good😄
It certainly is a more regal call than the eagle. 😂
I think of cicadas as the insect analogy to sloths. Not ecologically but because they move s-o s-l-o-w-l-y…🙂
He was a very cooperative model!
And darned cute too!
Bon voyage Randy!