I found this neat bug in my yard.
(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1319/1041399468_6c95ad697b.jpg)
It was dieing, it was in the grass, and It could barely move its wings.
GREAT PIC, those buggers live underground for about 7 years then make hay for a spring/summer then all thats left is fairy wings!
Try and get a pic of the head of a preying mantis with ya macro mode on. You wont believe your eyes!
Love that "electric Hummm" they produce when its real hot...like today-ghastly hot and the cicadas are humming loudly!
it takes 17 years here in the USA mick,
heres some info
Their life cycle takes 17 years in northern species (the so-called 17-year locusts) and 13 years in southern species; the two types overlap in parts of the United States
Crikey that is a long time ted!
I always feel guilty when I dig up one in the garden. I rebury it, but I dunno if they survive?
The dog day cicada (pictured) has a life cycle of 2-5 years.
The other kind, periodical, has a longer life cycle.
I've never dug up a nymph, but my boys have been catching them by the gross this year. We got to watch one hatch out of its skin this year, very cool to watch.
Rick
when those 17 year ones hatched out here a few years ago they reminded me most of shrimp. i will cook and eat some next cycle...or so i say now. they make much noise.
Oooh, what a nice picture. Best of this day, great life. Cindi