Left Behind

This exoskeleton was left behind when it's original owner outgrew it. Cicadas are ancient insects whose fossils date back almost 300 million years to the Upper Permian Period. Their rather large family includes more than 3,000 species and probably even more still unknown. Some Cicadas are 'Periodic' and spend most of their lives underground in nymph form, emerging after 13-17 years. This one is of the 'Annual' species which emerge each year. Cicadas have been featured in literature and art for many centuries and have been used in myths and folklore representing carefree living and immortality. They are eaten con gusto in some countries, including China, where the nymphs are served deep-fried in Shandong cuisine. (Wikipedia)