Article 5J0Y2 Some cicadas infected with psychedelic fungus that causes mating frenzy

Some cicadas infected with psychedelic fungus that causes mating frenzy

by
Coral Murphy Marcos
from on (#5J0Y2)

Massospora cicadina, laced with the same chemical as psychedelic mushrooms, infects a small number of cicadas

As billions of Brood X cicadas emerge from the dirt for the first time in 17 years, a fungus is making these bugs want to mate more than usual.

The Massospora cicadina, laced with the same chemical as psychedelic mushrooms, infects a small number of the periodical cicadas and takes over their bodies. Besides making the bugs eat away their insides, the fungus also increases their sex drives.

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