What/who is this? - Ask Extension
Hello.
I found this under the siding of my house, on the foundation wall.
It appears to be a molt of some sort, but really can't tell of what.
Is i...
Knowledgebase
What/who is this? #866516
Asked April 30, 2024, 5:34 PM EDT
Hello.
I found this under the siding of my house, on the foundation wall.
It appears to be a molt of some sort, but really can't tell of what.
Is it a pest I need to deal with, or just a regular "bug".
Lane County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi,
That appears to be the cast exoskeleton of a cicada nymph that has molted to become an adult. Here is a photo showing another one from various angles for comparison...
https://bugguide.net/node/view/1593351
The wingless immature stages of cicadas (nymphs) live underground where they feed on plant roots. The nymphs take several years to feed and grow, and then they dig up to the surface where they molt to become winged adults.
Cicada species in Oregon take 2-5 years to mature and become adults, but generations overlap, so some adults emerge every year. In contrast, the more famous periodical cicadas in eastern North America (Magicicada species) take 13 or 17 years to mature and become adults, but generations are synchronized so there are mass emergences of adults every 13 or 17 years, and adults are rare or absent in other years.
Cicadas don't bite people or pets, and will not damage homes or personal belongings. They do feed on plants, but don't do any significant damage to them either.
Enjoy!
That appears to be the cast exoskeleton of a cicada nymph that has molted to become an adult. Here is a photo showing another one from various angles for comparison...
https://bugguide.net/node/view/1593351
The wingless immature stages of cicadas (nymphs) live underground where they feed on plant roots. The nymphs take several years to feed and grow, and then they dig up to the surface where they molt to become winged adults.
Cicada species in Oregon take 2-5 years to mature and become adults, but generations overlap, so some adults emerge every year. In contrast, the more famous periodical cicadas in eastern North America (Magicicada species) take 13 or 17 years to mature and become adults, but generations are synchronized so there are mass emergences of adults every 13 or 17 years, and adults are rare or absent in other years.
Cicadas don't bite people or pets, and will not damage homes or personal belongings. They do feed on plants, but don't do any significant damage to them either.
Enjoy!
Thank you Bill!
- 'As the soft yield of water cleaves obstinate stone, so to yield with life solves the insolvable: To yield, I have learned, is to come back again.' Lao-Tzu
