類別

昆蟲與蜘蛛（昆蟲）

參賽者

蘇同新

作品名稱

臺灣爺蟬羽化 Eclosion of Formotosena seebohmi Cicada

科學圖說 Scientific introduction

臺灣爺蟬屬珍貴稀有的保育類物種，由於族群數量稀少，完整羽化紀錄並不常見。羽化依姿態的演替約略分為出土、定著、背裂、探頭、引體、翻正、抽身、展翅、晾翅與顯色等10個步驟，完成需要6至8小時。其中水藍色的成體，從對比強烈的黝黑蟬蛹蛻殼蹦出，尤令人感受到生命力的強韌。而翅膀與體色顯著的轉變，彷彿為離開地底飛向空中的嶄新生命，戲劇性地增添華麗的妝點。演化的強大與絕妙，在臺灣爺蟬的羽化過程中嶄露無遺。

The cicada Formotosena seebohmi is a rare and protected species in Taiwan. Owing to the population is extremely small, its complete eclosion process has rarely been recorded. Eclosion involves settling into place and splitting open of the nymphal shell along the back. This is followed by emergence of the head and body, turning upright, and extension and drying of the wings. The entire process requires 6-8 hours. The aquamarine adult body is in stark contrast to the dark nymphal shell from which it emerged. This is a powerful testament to the vitality of life and a dramatic display. The power and remarkableness of evolution are revealed during eclosion.