| Actual Image
Cicada pee-ing (12)
Nephrotome2
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 599 W: 60 N: 660]](https://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif) (2538) | Tibicen Cicada
Pee-ing action: look at the pee horizontally on the left side. See details in posted workshop.
CICADAS:
Cicadas have a stylus-type protuberance used for piercing small twigs in trees and bushes to withdraw Xylem to obtain water, minerals and limited carbohydrates.
Defense mechanisms: Flying off or playing dead.
The nymph lives under ground. The molt takes one hour.
Funny to know:
When handling a Cicada, it sometimes can mistake its handler for a branch and attempt to feed on you. It doesn't usually draw blood.
Interesting to know:
Cicadas have 5 eyes. Two large compound eyes that are situated on stalks on either side of the head and 3 ocelli that are centered in a triangle in the middle of the head.
THE PIC:
I took many pics of that guy. He was so little shy that I could even scratch his back. I suddently notice the pee-ing action. The stair one meter away from him was all wet. Then I noticed that pee-ing would occur during 2 seconds and evey 40 seconds. And I realised that I would get the opportunity to photograph that! Unfortunately the group was waiting for me. I could capture that pic still. I've choosen then another POV but missed 2 peeing actions because I was too late to press. Then I managed to get a second shot(see workshop): picture is less good but pee is a little more easy to spot. Then the group was really waiting and I had to go with the feeling that I could had a even better shot with more time.
I never knew before that any insect could pee.
During the whole time, the cicada never stopped drinking.
Thanks for looking |
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