Skip to main content
Today is National Trails Day!
Close

katydid exuvia (shell)

Tettigoniidae

Photo by VivBraznell
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

9.12, 99.88

Field Notes

Description:

I spotted one leg of this creature poking out from under a leaf on rocks by the seashore and initially thought it was the leg of a crab, but when I moved the leaf I found this. I'm thinking it could have been a locust

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (5)
KarenL
I am always amazed to find insect & spider molts - I can't imagine how hard it must be to wriggle out of them!
VivBraznell
Thanks martinl, I am learning so much since joining Project Noah. I would'nt know where to start to find out about many of the insect spottings I've put on here so it's fantastic to find so many knowledgeable people.
MartinL
Viv, this was the final molt, with its tiny wing buds that you can see. As the adult insect emerges, the epidermis (skin) and new wing membrane are soft, and the insect can pump them up (using mainly blood pressure) to full size, before they harden. You see only half the antennae, which are both broken. Thanks for sharing.
VivBraznell
Thanks for the ident Martinl. I've not seen anything like this alive. Each antenna is 2cm long. Being a bit 'dim', the wings look small compared to the rest of the body
MartinL
This is a katydid exuvia (shell) The owner has left. I'm saying katydid rather that locust (a king of grasshopper) because it has long antennae. I like the wings.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Signs of Wildlife
Mission
What's in your Sydney back yard?
Photographed
PublishedMarch 23, 2012

Community Sponsor

Butterfly
Become a Community Sponsor and Help Grow our Global Movement!

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Butterflies icon
Become a Community Sponsor

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon

Nature & Conservation Organizations

Brands & Mission-Focused Companies