Cicadas....what?!

So I started walking out to my car a few weeks ago and would hear this vibrating like sound.  So I looked for wire lines and there was nothing.  I would look around to see who was making the sound and there would be nobody around.  Also, keep in mind the sound would stop and start in different areas as I walked to my car.

I thought two things:  1.  I was imagining things or 2. there was something strange going on.

Then one morning someone was in the parking lot with me and I asked them if they heard that sound.  To which they promptly responded no and I thought great I am going crazy.  Then they said oh wait, the cicadas?  I said the what?!  

I have learned all I ever wanted to know about them.  They are large insects some grow over 1 ½ inches. Their color varies depending upon their species and many are brown or green.  They have bulging eyes and, on adults, wings that are held roof-like over the body. The wings are semi-transparent with thick wing veins. The majority of their life cycle is spent underground.  They can fly and when they do, they fly like a drunk driver.  When they emerge from the last nymphal stage they leave behind their skin.  Male cicadas are the guilty party for the sound or song they make to attract females.  I don't like it as I feel like a swarm of critters is coming.  Other people love that sound because it is home and it is soothing.

So today someone pointed out one to me or at least the shell - not the best picture but I finally saw a part of a cicada.  At least they told me it was the shell and I would not get very close to take the picture as I was grossed out.