18th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Molting Katydid in a Desperate Cling

This photo was taken on a nighttime photography excursion in the Southern USA. I saw a bright green flash out of the corner of my flashlight and decided to go check it out. At first, I thought it was a leaf, but on further investigation, it ended up being a Broad-Winged Katydid fresh out of its old skin. The moment was rare and special because it was too soft to leave it's old skin, but also too big to be inside of it. Clinging to his old self, we both waited for the fresh breeze to bring alive his new wings. As time progress, he ended up being able to fly off, leaving the skin that just moments ago was vital for his very existence.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 05.2019
Date Uploaded: 07.2020
Photo Location: Mendenhall, Mississippi, United States of America
Camera: SM-G960U
Copyright: © Tristan Nicaud