Enchanting Nymphs

In the dappled light of a glade at Halibut Point the bug observer noticed an apparition around the edge of a leaf. Its unlikely form and fantastical colors were unlike any previous encounter in this world of miniaturized wonders. He photographed it to consult with sober authorities on the nature of the sighting.

The lovely enigma provoked discoveries of an adolescent stage previously unknown to him. The mystery seemed unapproachable through books. How could he understand revelations without a guide? Seasoned observers confided he had met a nymph.

Scudderia nymph, a young Bush Katydid

Some time later he encountered a similar creature with budding wings. He learned that nymphs go through a series of instars on their way to maturity. Their development is not continuous within a supple skin. Moira, the supervisor of fates, has them molt from an inflexible exoskeleton at every stage.

One nymph instar of a Twice-stabbed Stink Bug, Cosmopepla lintneriana

Another instar of the same species

A nymph might emerge into successive instars looking very little like the previous stage, and possibly with a different diet.

A Green Stink Bug nymph, just beginning to develop wings

Moira may finally usher the nymph to maturity with little resemblance to its pubescent forms.

An adult Green Stink Bug, Chinavia hilaris

For protective reasons a nymph may blend into its surroundings or be boldly patterned to warn those who would do it harm, of unpleasant tastes or consequences.

Nymph of a Four-lined Plant Bug

And so it speckles the glade in bright innocence with its harlequin destiny.

An adult Four-lined Plant Bug, Poecilocapsus lineatus

With every molt the nymph ascends to adult powers in fulfillment of Moira's temporal allotment, perhaps only days or weeks in duration.

A Planthopper nymph of the Nephesini tribe

Young Hoppers regale in acquiring the ability to leap and fly.

A Leafhopper nymph, Jikradia olitoria

A second nymph of the same species, Jikradia olitoria

From earliest times their acute vision develops in outsized eyes, for the sorties they will make through the air.

Nymph a Leptoglossus Leaf-footed Bug

 

The visitor to the glade admires the vestments that Moira has provided her progeny.

A spiny Asian Lady Beetle nymph

The visitor steals glimpses of processes procreating through beautiful forms to the irresistible call of life.

An adult Asian Lady Beetle, Harmonia axyridis