An exoskeleton is the hard shell over cicadas. it is also what is on cockroaches, grasshoppers, crabs, crayfish and other shellfish! It kind of means their bones are on the outside.
We were sent out to look for some cicada shells to create some art with. They shed their exoskeletons as they grow because the exoskeletons don't grow with them so they have to shed skin and grow new ones. My problem was I couldn't find any! I did find a real live and very friendly cicada that was happy to sit on my arm and come into my home though.
Did you know recently it was discovered that cicadas have antibacterial structures on their wings? This is being used to inspire medical advancements such as antibacterial cornea replacements! So cool! Cicadas are one of my favourite insects because there are so many cool facts about them. What's your favourite insect?
Because I couldn't find any exoskeletons, I decided to do the activity where you draw a cicada. I found it nice and easy to follow the steps and I am quite pleased with how it looks.
for my step it up I made a cicada scroggin. Cicadas are very high in protein so they are perfect for when you are tramping because they don't take up much space and would be very light to carry. I have heard people talking about chocolate-covered cockroaches before so I thought if I covered them in chocolate and added them to a scroggin mix it would be good for a hike! I don't think I would ever eat it though! I like looking at cicadas but I don't think I would ever eat one!
Thank you for reading my blog. Here is my Cicada drawing:
And here is my Cicada Scroggin:
