With its long “elephant trunk” protruding from its head and wings as bright and colorful as a butterfly, this creature is indeed a unique masterpiece of nature.
This is the insect known as the elephant trunk cicada, scientifically named Pyrops candelaria.
True to its name, it resembles a
“miniature elephant” with a very long trunk protruding from its head.
Its trunk is actually an elongated mouthpart used for sucking tree sap.
This is also a beautiful insect with brightly colored wings. (Photo: Phùng Mỹ Trung)
When flying, one might mistake them for some kind of butterfly.
Like other cicadas, the elephant trunk cicada primarily lives underground in its larval form.
They only molt to become a beautiful cicada during a brief adult stage.
That is when they “sing” to find a mate.
They will mate and lay eggs in the ground.
A new cycle of creation begins again.
