Can someone identify this mystery insect for me?

Question

I found this little fella in my room dead. My family and I have never seen anything like it before and I couldn't exactly google it without knowing where to start.

So here are some pictures with one with my thumb for size reference..

http://img227.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cimg6418xw4.jpg

http://img98.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cimg6427ru8.jpg

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/7540/cimg6422mu0.jpg

Answer 1

That looks like what we called a locust (also called cicada). the size and color help ID specific type.

They shed their skin leaving a paper thin brown hollow shell.

Cicadas are buried in the ground for long periods. 7 yrs. 13 yrs. then they all hatch at once. when the brood hatches the insect singing noise is cacophonous (a high-pitched modulating chirping sound).

Answer 2

May be a Robber Fly, although it is more colourful than our local Robber Flies. The pointed abdomen suggests this, they are a predatory fly that kills insects in the air and eats them.

Answer 3

Definitely a cicada.

Answer 4

It is one of the 3000 species of cicada.  You live near a lake?  I have seen those green ones on and near lakes.

http://insects.ummz.lsa.umich.edu/fauna/...

Answer 5

cicada... check out its page on wikipedia, there's a photo almost just like yours.