Some of these insects will be controlled like zombies into spreading a strange fungus that hijacks cicadas’ bodies and behavior.
A periodical cicada nymph is spotted in Macon, Georgia, on March 27. Billions of periodical cicadas are about to emerge in a rare occurrence not seen in centuries. after more than a decade underground, ready to climb into the trees and make a ruckus as they sing to attract mates. But some of these insects won’t succeed in their goal of procreating — instead, they’ll be controlled like zombies into spreading a strange fungus that hijacks cicadas’ bodies and behavior.
Despite having a chalky gumdrop of spores instead of genitals, the infected cicadas still attempt to mate, with gusto. The fungus manipulates the cicadas’ behavior, causing what researchers including Kasson refer to as hypersexualization. The infected males keep trying to mate with females, and they also change their behavior to attract their fellow males. Healthy female cicadas will flick their wings to indicate that they’re ready to mate.
Cooley noted that while amphetamines stimulate the central nervous systems of vertebrate animals, insects such as cicadas have different nervous systems, and it’s not clear if those stimulants would affect them the same way. A periodical cicada nymph is spotted in Macon, Georgia, on March 27. Billions of periodical cicadas are about to emerge in a rare occurrence not seen in centuries. A 13-year cicada peers over a ledge in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, May 11, 2011. Portions of the southern states are currently experiencing the emergence of the periodic cicadas, which tunnel their way to the surface to shed their skin and mate after 13 years underground.
Apache Cicada Eye Detail, Diceroprocta apache, Abiquiu, New Mexico. The Apache Cicada is one of the 65 species of cicada in California.
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