Experts are issuing warnings about a strange phenomenon that involves “zombie cicadas” as the cicada emergence cycle is approaching in the US. This year, the country is expected to be bombarded by trillions of such insects, emerging from their 17-year slumber.
However, in addition to this, an expert at West Virginia University warns that a large portion of these cicadas will be infected with a bizarre fungus that alters their behavior, making them hypersexual.
Matthew Kasson, an associate professor specializing in mycology and forest pathology at West Virginia University, predicts that Brood XIX, emerging every 13 years will likely make its appearance in Georgia and the southeast region, while Brood XII, which emerges every 17 years, is expected to be seen in Illinois.
According to him both the broods can be infected by a fungal pathogen named Massospora cicadina. This fungus typically causes insects to show hypersexual behavior, characterized by the emergence of a chalky, white plug from their bodies. The plug then seizes control of their brains, resulting in the loss of genital parts.
Matthew Kasson detailed, “In that way, the fungus is sexually transmissible. So, it spreads like an STD.” Regarding where the fungus will emerge, he explained, “A lot of this is still unclear because there’s a lot that happens below our feet.”
What’s more alarming is that the infection won’t stop there; when a cicada dies, Massospora cicadina’s spores on its body will enter the soil and infect other cicadas underground.
