THE STRANGE CYCLE OF THE CICADA 



preference was fortified by a wholesome regard for 

 safety, although no special signs of quarrelsomeness 

 were seen. But they were wise enough to use a ready- 

 made roadway when it fell convenient; for in many 

 cases several individuals 

 would issue from the same 

 hole. 



Shortly after leaving the 

 burrow the cicada's trans- 

 formation occurs, which is 

 only partial, not complete 

 as with moths and butter- 

 flies. This is the pupa's 

 emergence from its shell, 

 and is technically known 

 as the ecdysis. Fastening 

 itself by its sharp claws, 

 the pupa remains perfect- 

 ly still for a little while. 

 Then the hard outer skin 

 begins to crack along the 

 middle of the back. As 

 the insect thus appears 

 it is plump, white, and 

 soft. When the forepart of 

 the body is pushed out, 



it presents a grotesque figure, looking like a snow- 

 white pupa mounted pickaback upon a yellow one. 

 Next it begins to pull out its legs, first the front ones 

 and then the hind ones, until at last the body is free 

 from the tough case, which all the while clings to the 

 tree. This process, which resembles the moulting of 

 a spider or snake, is not without danger, for one will 



235 



A CICADA TURRET 



Built against a board fence, at the 

 base of which the burrow opens 



