Redeye Cicada (exuvia)

Description:

The molted exoskeleton (25mm) of a small cicada. Clearly visible were the strong fossorial fore legs.

Notes:

I spotted this exoskeleton on a calistemon shrub on a median strip of a very busy highway. There were eucalyptus trees growing there about 5 years ago !!. This cicada exuvia is very different in size ( much smaller and leaner) than those of the green grocer cicada that is commonly found on trees over summer, in these parts. I assume therefore that this exoskeleton is that of the smaller redeye cicada.