Exuvium - but of what?

Whilst rummaging in my store of empty plant pots I found this discarded exoskeleton (called an exuvium or exuvia). The creature
must have gone in there for privacy and safety but I have no idea what it was.



Six legged, two antennae, a long proboscis, stumpy looking wings. The surviving detail is astonishing. It is about 1cm long as it stands here.
That proboscis has a long, rigid sheath - does it use that to pierce its victim's hide, I wonder?

The right way up and from the front. It split across the back of its shoulders, ducked its head down underneath and pulled its head out first.



It had spotted/ dimpled wing cases and a zigzaggy pattern along its abdomen, which has curled up over its back

From the side, its antennae are quite long and rounded, so it isn't a moth. It has bulbous pop eyes too.



And from the front, looking inside, which doesn't help a lot. Its feet are clearly made to grip tightly



Many years ago, I saw a review of the Pentax-A, 50mm macro lens. It ended with,
"If you find one, ignore the price - just buy it !" Add a K5 and this is what you get.
ISO 100, f22, 5 seconds.

Astonishing David

Anyone remember "Quatermass and the Pit"?

David, may I suggest Shield Bug......

Roger.

Ahh nice.
I have seen similar before but thought they were just dried up dead bugs.
Makes more sense now.
Super 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Is it this, Hairy Shield Bug?

Straight ooc, but shows body plan.




Note black & white spots on sides, as in the exuvia texture?



The legs / feet look similar...


Hope this helps,

Roger.

I think you may be correct with a shieldbug. I had rejected that because of the long proboscis but having looked at some images of live ones from underneath, they do appear to have one which is set very far back and flat against the underside. You do learn a lot from macro photography !
Derek, they have to do this 'cos they become too fat for their rigid exoskeletons - a bit like me in my old age!
And yes, I do recall Quatermass and the pit, which I think featured chrysalis like objects and locust things fleeing from baddie thingies.

Interesting, and good-looking series. Great lighting, giving a good sense of presence - yet at the same time there is a sense of transparent eeriness (if that means anything ) . #2 looks like a delicate statue, and has my preference.

Thank you Serge. Glad you like them.

Fascinating