| Latin Name | Observation date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Chremistica ochracea | December 14 2024 | Buket Alue Puteh, Aceh, Indonesia |
This is a Chremistica ochracea shell that I found in the forest while exploring, Chremistica ochracea is a unique species of insect or also known as "tonggeret" and "didikhung" in regional Aceh languages, this empty shell is evidence of an extraordinary transformation, in where the nymph leaves its old form to turn into an adult Chremistica ochracea that can fly freely.
I found this shell attached to a tree branch, the color is golden brown with a transparent texture, this shell gives the impression of a small, fragile artifact but is full of detail, every part of the shell from the head, legs to the wings is not yet fully developed and it displays extraordinary anatomy. Normally, this shell is the remains of the hard exoskeleton skin that helps protect the nymph while it lives underground, before finally emerging to the surface to undergo final metamorphosis.
This metamorphosis occurs at night when the nymph rises to the surface, climbs a stable place and begins to release itself from the shell, the nymph that comes out turns into an adult "cicada" with a soft body and wet wings, a few moments later they become dry and the body becomes hard and ready to fly into the trees around them, the shells left behind become silent witnesses to their life journey and mark a new stage in their life cycle.
It is important to know that Chremistica ochracea shells also play an important role in supporting the ecosystem, after decomposing this shell is able to fertilize the soil by providing nutrients, but this shell not only has ecological value but also has symbolic meaning, in many cultures this shell is often associated with with change, transformation and life's journey, this empty shell is a metaphor about letting go of the past to welcome new potential, making the metamorphosis of "Chremistica ochracea" a valuable lesson for humans.
finding a Chremistica ochracea shell left behind, I was reminded of the beauty of natural cycles and the importance of respecting the processes that occur in it, this small insect also taught me that every struggle is an important step towards renewal, both for Chremistica ochracea and for us as part of nature. Thank you very much for visiting and supporting me, see you in the next observation post.
| Camera used | smartphone |
|---|---|
| Lens | - |
| Photography | Chremistica ochracea |
| Location | Buket Alue Puteh |
| Photographer | @lightofhope |
| Link to original | community |
|---|---|
| Link | https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/255283617 |
| Latitude Longitude | Map | |
|---|---|---|
| =5.080479 | =97.46383 | https://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=5.0804793232&mlon=97.4638302997 |
