Cicada molt, Cicada shell, Exuviae
Cryptotympana facialis (or general Cicada exuviae/molt)
Cicadidae (Cicadas), Order Hemiptera. Note: This is actually an insect molt (exuviae) left behind after a nymph emerges into an adult, not a spider.
Physical Description
Exoskeleton cast-off with a robust body shape, distinct wing pads on the thorax, and heavily modified raptorial front legs adapted for digging underground.
Size Estimate
Approximately 2 to 4 centimeters in length, typical for a mid-sized cicada nymph final instar shell.
Coloration & Markings
Tan, light brown, or amber translucent coloration, lacking active pigment since it is merely a dried chitinous shell.
Web Type
None. Cicadas do not build webs or hunt as spiders do.
Eye Arrangement
Compound eyes are visible on the sides of the head capsule as empty translucent shells.
Leg Characteristics
Six legs total, featuring greatly enlarged, spined front legs specialized for excavating soil during the nymphal underground phase.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Completely venomless. It is just a hollow shell made of chitin.
Medical Significance
Harmless. It cannot bite or sting and poses no health risk to humans or pets.
Safety Recommendations
No safety precautions needed. You can simply leave the shell in place or brush it away gently if desired.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Found clinging to vertical surfaces such as tree trunks, wooden fences, and porch railings globally in temperate and tropical regions where cicadas emerge.
Behavior & Temperament
Inanimate object (molted skin). It does not move, bite, or exhibit behavior.
Diet & Prey
Non-feeding stage. Nymphs feed on plant root xylem underground prior to this final molt.
Seasonal Activity
Most commonly encountered during late spring and summer when nymphs finish their multi-year underground development and emerge.
Description
This is not a spider, but rather the empty exoskeleton (exuviae) left behind by a cicada nymph after it crawls out of the ground and undergoes its final molt into an adult winged insect. It is commonly found clinging to vertical wooden structures like porch railings during summer months.
Key Features
Hollow shell, robust body with wing pads, prominent raptorial digging front legs, and lack of spider-like features such as eight legs or chelicerae.
Similar Species
Exuviae of various other cicada species, or occasionally cast skins of large beetles, though the specialized digging forelegs are diagnostic.
Life Cycle
Represents the final transition from subterranean nymph to winged adult cicada, which climbs up vertical structures to emerge.
Ecological Importance
Serves as a sign of local insect emergence and a food source for scavengers. The living nymphs aerate the soil while feeding on root xylem.
Conservation Status
Not applicable; this is a shed exoskeleton of a common, widespread insect.
Interesting Facts
Cicada shells are completely harmless and are often collected by children or used in nature crafts. They are made of tough chitin that can persist on trees for weeks after the adult has flown away.
Photography Tips
Use macro lighting to highlight the translucent texture and details of the empty shell against the contrasting background of a fence or tree.
Identified: 2026-09-06T04:30:05.213175