Stepping outside and spotting a strange, clawed figure clinging to your maple tree can be unsettling. Its hollow body and eerie appearance may look like a dangerous insect or even something out of a horror movie. But despite how creepy it seems, this mysterious object is completely harmless.
What you’re actually seeing is a cicada shell.
What Is a Cicada Shell?
Cicadas are insects famous for their loud summer buzzing sounds and unique life cycles. Before becoming adults, they spend years underground feeding on plant roots. When they are finally ready to mature, they crawl out of the soil, climb onto trees or fences, and shed their outer skin.
The shell left behind is called an exoskeleton. It is usually light brown, hollow, and split along the back where the adult cicada emerged.
Why Do Cicadas Leave These Shells Behind?
Cicadas grow through a process called molting. Because their hard outer shell cannot expand, they must shed it to become adults.
Once attached to a tree, the cicada slowly breaks free from its old shell. The newly emerged insect is soft at first, but within a few hours its body hardens, and its wings fully develop. The empty shell remains attached to the bark.
Are Cicada Shells Dangerous?
Despite their frightening appearance, cicada shells are harmless. They do not bite, sting, or damage healthy trees.
In fact, cicadas can actually help the environment by aerating the soil and serving as food for birds and other wildlife. Their shells eventually decompose and return nutrients to the ground.
When Are They Most Common?
Cicada shells are most often seen during late spring and summer. Some cicada species emerge every year, while others appear only every 13 or 17 years in huge numbers.
During these periods, trees, fences, and gardens can become covered with empty shells.
What Should You Do If You Find One?
There’s no need to panic if you discover cicada shells in your yard. You can remove them easily by hand or simply leave them where they are.
For many people, especially children, these unusual shells can become a fascinating opportunity to learn more about insects and nature.
A Fascinating Part of Nature
What first looks like a tiny monster on your tree is actually evidence of one of nature’s most interesting transformations. Cicada shells are simply reminders of the hidden life happening beneath our feet — and the incredible journey these insects take before filling the summer air with their familiar songs.
