The Creatures from Outer Space (a.k.a....My Back Yard)

I have mentioned before that I live in a rather “rural” area. As long as I can recall, there has been this strange noise that permeates the air during the sweltering summer afternoons, a symphony of sound that is as strange as some of the cousins that come out of the woodwork during a family reunion. It is this strange swelling of a noise like none other; a buzzing, but more rhythmic and musical.
What, you may ask, is all "the buzz" about? (OK - so that is such a cliche, but it fits so well!) Cicadas! After doing a little (very little) research, I found lots of facts about these guys, but don't worry - you aren't in for a science lesson (I'm not Annie the Science Gal), but I couldn't help sharing some of the more interesting ones.
1. They are NOT locust - despite what some people around "these here parts" call them. I would even say they are a little "friendlier" than locust, but a little uglier (not that anything that can fly at you, jump on you, wiggle, gnaw, or creep, or crawl is ever something I would be attracted to, but, hey, bless their hearts, like me, they can't help how they were made!).
2. They grow a shell that they shed and leave behind, similar to some types of crabs.
3. Only the males make the loud "caterwauling".
4. Some people even eat these things. NO-I HAVEN'T, I'M NOT GOING TO & I DON'T HAVE A "MEMAW" THAT FIXES 'EM UP JUST RIGHT FOR THOSE AFOREMENTIONED FAMILY REUNIONS!
5. There are different types - 17 yr, 13 yr, etc. They bury into the ground and only come out every 17, 13, or so years. (Which leaves me with the mystery of why I hear them almost every summer. Maybe there's some poor confused little pod of cicadas that makes the occasional late appearance - I can so relate!)
OK - enough facts. On to why I'm sharing this wealth of information. These "aliens" (just take a look at the pics) form outer shells and then crawl out of the top of them, leaving behind a very strange looking form. When I was young, I can remember being so afraid to touch them! I was terrified that the shells weren’t, in reality, dead and would miraculously/wickedly come to life after I picked one up and attack me! If you’ve ever handled one and had it "cling" to you – you know exactly why that thought might've crossed my mind! Their sharp barb-like legs prick and grasp you like an Velcro needle!
A couple of weeks ago, my son came running into the house after finding one of these bizarre little bug's former inhabitants and eagerly suggested a cicada hunt. So, we all trekked to a group of towering pine trees in search of the mysterious spoil. Looking up, inspecting the bark, we found shell after shell of the creepy little flea/crab/grasshopper/alien-looking insects' casings. We gathered quite a few and decided to line my son’s shirt with them. He said he looked like a decorated army general of some strange planet. I agree! When I was a little girl, we would decorate our own shirts or hats with them or wear them like rings on our fingers (so gross (and sometimes painful) but, hey, cheap jewelry!).
It was fun putting them on yesterday and sharing that memory with the kiddos.  Being a part of their memory-making and just enjoying the simple things in life.  No Nintendos, Wiis, TVs, texting, or hi-tech entertainment (aside from the camera)- just ...time spent together, actually talking, laughing, and listening.  Here are a few shots of our captives.

This guy looks like he is almost ready to "escape".

A little bugger preparing to come out of his shell.

My little alien army general being decorated!

This is what the shell looks like - you can see where they make their exit.

They look like they are invading!

So...anyone up for a cicada hunt? There's still plenty to be found! We’ll be glad to lead you, and it’s a whole lot more fun than a snipe hunt.