Cicada exuviae (Cicada shell)

Natural Habitat

Found globally in temperate and tropical habitats, usually attached to tree bark, fences, or vegetation near where nymphs emerge from the soil.

Diet & Feeding

As nymphs, they feed on xylem sap from the roots of perennial plants; as adults, they feed on plant fluids. This specific object is a non-feeding cast-off skin.

Behavior Patterns

Nymphs live underground for several years before emerging to climb a vertical surface and molt into their winged adult form, leaving this hollow exoskeleton behind.

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to humans; provide a significant biomass benefit to the ecosystem as a food source for birds and mammals, and they aerate the soil during emergence.

Identified on: 6/21/2026