I helped a cicada make the transition tonight!

[bif]

He had just come out of his shell. And he was having a hard time staying right-side up because his wings hadn't hardened. So I kept picking him/her up and putting him on the back of my hand. He kept falling off my hand and falling onto our patio. I went inside to do the dishes and when I came out he was gone! God I love nature. And if I can help in any way, that's even better!

[yallerdawg]

1. That's a nice story.

Better than the "Sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug" when I accidentally help them 'transition.'

[htuttle]

2. I've sometimes wondered whether simpler creatures like insects have any sort of internal dialogue,

Or a sense of 'self'.

I assume not.

However, I'm not sure all the humans I've met have them either.

[bif]

3. The thing that was cool is that he'd climb up my arm...

And stare at me. And I kept telling him, "You're gonna make it." They're very vulnerable at this stage--birds like to eat them. He kept trying to fly but could only make it a foot or two at each attempt. Weird inter-species interaction.

[bif]

4. Now, when I hear them humming, I think he's one of mine!

Just sayin'