PhotoFeed Contest - Macro Photography Round 125 ~ Cicada Insects

Hello Hivers....

This post is my entry for a macro photography contest hosted by @Photofeed, If you would like to enter this contest, please read and follow the rules

The insect that appears in the photo that I shared is a katydid, also known as a cicada. This insect has a black body with a striking orange pattern on its back and stomach. Transparent wings with distinct dark veins are another characteristic of katydid, which function to fly and also as body protection when resting. Its body size is quite large compared to most insects and can usually be found in trees or rocks during the summer in tropical forests such as Aceh.

Cicadas are widely known for their loud sounds, especially by males as part of an effort to attract females. This sound is produced by a special organ called a timbral, which is located on the abdomen. The distinctive sound of cicadas is often a natural background in tropical and subtropical areas, including Indonesia, and marks the change of seasons or the arrival of the dry season. Their presence is usually very noticeable because they appear in large numbers and simultaneously after living underground for a long time as larvae.

The life cycle of cicadas is quite unique and long. Some species even spend up to 13-17 years as nymphs underground sucking the sap of tree roots before finally emerging to the surface to metamorphose into adults. After that, they only live a few weeks to mate and lay eggs, then die. Although their adult life span is short, cicadas play an important role in the ecosystem as a food source for predators such as birds and small mammals and help aerate the soil when they emerge from below the surface.

Important Note: I wrote in Indonesian, then translated it using Google Translate.

Regards @yayan