Schematic of in situ cuticle chitin preparation. (A) A flow chart outlining the steps in the process as used in this publication. (B) Whole cuticle of the periodic cicadaMagicicada septendecim prior to the procedure (note: wings have been removed). (C) The thoracic and abdominal section of the period cicada after in situ chitin preparation,note the preservation of the overall anatomy but the lack of pigment and the cleared portions of the cuticle (arrow).