Strange Phenomenon in the Eastern and Southern USA

A peculiar and rare phenomenon is currently unfolding in the eastern and southern United States.

Not only have two different broods of so-called periodical cicadas emerged from their underground slumber at the same time.

Some of the 2-3 cm long insects are infected with the fungus Massospora cicadina, which takes control of its host.

The fungus essentially turns the cicada into a zombie, causing it to tear off its own genitals, but due to an insatiable desire for mating, the insect continues to 'mate' - further spreading the fungus spores.

This is reported by NPR.

The fungal infection, which is harmless to humans, appears as a chalky, white spot on the back of the cicada's body and can take over as much as a third of the insect's body. After some time, this fungal growth becomes so swollen that it bursts, and the flying carriers of infection thus spread fungal spores everywhere they go. This is why some researchers refer to them as the "flying salt shakers of death."

However, it only takes a few weeks before the infected swarms naturally come to an end. But the fungus does not die with them. The more severely affected cicadas spread the spores in the soil. There, the fungus can lie in wait for the next swarm of cicadas...

And one last thing, if you are concerned about the well-being of the insects, you can rest assured. The fungus actually produces the euphoric substance cathinone, so the cicadas are likely to be completely ecstatic.

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