Cicada

Cicada, Cicadoidea

Cicadas are found in all parts of the world, but with an estimated species count of over two thousand, many of them remain unclassified and unstudied. In particular, some areas such as South America have little to no data on the species found there due to an apparent lack of taxonomist. These insects are best known for their summer song and discarded shells. The reason they are one of the only sounds heard during the heat of the day is they have the ability to sweat, which is a highly uncommon adaption for any in the class Insecta. The cicada is commonly known for their grip as their discarded shells are often found still clinging to branches, bricks, and wood. In a moist, humid place such as the Atlantic Rainforest, a cicada that dies gripping a branch will quickly fall back into the cycle of life as fungus starts the decomposition process.

 This was a lucky find in Brasil, located in the Atlantic Rainforest near Parque Estadual Turístico Alta Ribeira, more commonly known as PETAR.