Cicada Hieroglyph
A collection of photomicrographs presented by Terry Lynch
Naturalist, Photographer, Journalist
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Compound eye of cicada at 50X showing variation in pigmentation in the area between the white, hairy face around mouth parts and where the clear lenses of the compound eye begin.
One of the advantages of being a little older and a little wiser than a young man or woman is that one has lived long enough to see the coming and going of many seasons. With close observation and notation it is thus possible to become aware of the many subtle changes in nature, such that a keen eye and ear attuned to nature's clock affords one a distinct advantage over the less astute observer. Thus when the termite swarm, when the cicada emerge, when the mayfly cloud the skies, the mature naturalist may be on station ready with nests, jars, microscope and camera to capture unfolding events and the fleeting splendor of the moment.
Yet so sharp is natures clock that quite often I still find myself having missed another chance to have captured the blossoming of a particular species of flower or the metamorphosis of a butterfly. Thus it is often to one's advantage to be opportunistic and take advantage of events as they present themselves, as age and wisdom also serves to inform us that it is easier to catch a fly which lands in one's soup than it is one upon the wing,. Thus the stonefly which finds its way to the glow of my computer monitor or the dragon fly stuck to the radiator of my automobile, also find their way under my microscope presenting their mysteries to my peering eyes and inquiring mind.
The example presented here is that of a cicada which was attracted to the porch light on July 4, 2001. It was placed in a jar for observation where it later expired, then was dried and saved until I had the time to give it a closer inspection.
I was quite surprised to find this hieroglyphic inscription written around its compound eye. Anyone care to translate these obscure symbols? It is not hard to imagine what they might say in some alien script. Perhaps the simple message, "I am God!" Or maybe, "God evolved from me!" Ah, but of course these are not inscriptions at all, merely pigmentations which, to give a subjective impressions of an over active, wild imagination. No doubt that same characteristic of humanity is why there are so many different religions and branches of faith. Man created God, not vice versa. As soon as this truth becomes common knowledge the world will be a better place as people of different faiths may then stop trying to cut each other's throats by blowing themselves and everyone around them to smithereens in the name of Allah, Jesus Christ or God Almighty!
Indeed, if nature has one prime lesson to teach it is that there is beauty and wonder in the smallest of life forms and that the variation of life extends unto infinity. Thus there is no beginning nor end, merely a constant change of all things. Even what we perceive as the Big Bang is but the cyclic nature of the universe in constant transition renewing itself. The hand of God has nothing to do with it!
Additional Photos Coming Soon!
If you are anxiously awaiting the arrival of more photographs, please be patient. Additional photos will be presented over time as interesting specimens are prepared and photographed. Please click on the links below to view additional photomicrographs and special natural history pages presented for your education, enlightenment and enjoyment. Thank you!
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Copyright © 2002 by Terry Lynch. All Rights Reserved.