Scientists are tracking a fungus called Massospora cicadina that infects periodic cicadas and controls their behavior.
The fungus is unique in that it produces amphetamines, which makes the infected cicadas hypersexual and eager to mate to spread the fungal spores. This turns the cicadas into “sex-crazed zombies”.
Researchers from West Virginia University collected infected cicadas in Illinois to study the fungus. It has the largest known genome of any fungus.
When a cicada gets infected, the fungus dumps the insect’s genitals and replaces it with a white fungal plug. Spores then fall out, ready to infect other cicadas during mating.
The extent of infections is debated, with estimates of around 1 in 1,000 cicadas being affected. The researchers aim to better understand how the fungus infects and controls its host.
While interesting for science, the infected cicadas that produce amphetamines from the fungus are bitter and not recommended for human consumption due to potential toxicity.
Source: AP
