Comment

Moderator Comment by Bob Terrell on October 9, 2012 at 10:29pm

It looks like a cicada, often called the 17 year locust.

From gardenersnet:

Cicada bugs, also called the "17 year locust", Cicada insects or Periodical Cicada, are present in many areas of the country. In areas where a limited number of these insects are present, they do not pose more than a minor nuisance. However, when they arrive by the millions, they can do serious damage to a variety of young trees and shrubs in your yard. While Cicadas are fascinating to some, their presence in big numbers, can be un-nerving to many people.

These large spring hatches, called "broods", occur in 13 year and 17 year cycles.  Mainly they will eat trees and shrubs.  Adults do not eat. Rather, damage to trees is caused by the adult female as she cuts slices into twigs to lay her eggs. Shortly after mating, the male Cicada dies.