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This Morbid Fungus Turns Cicadas Into Hypersexual Zombies Without Genitals — A Biologist Explains
Imagine a world where you’re not just infected by a fungus, but also forced into an endless cycle of hypersexuality. Welcome to the twisted realm of Massospora cicadina, a parasitic fungus that turns periodical cicadas into grotesque zombies, devoid of their reproductive organs.
This morbid fungus has developed a sinister symbiosis with its host, the periodical cicada. The fungus lies dormant underground for 13 or 17 years, synchronized with the emergence of the cicadas. As soon as the broods appear en masse, Massospora awakens and begins to infect the insects.
The infection process is just as disturbing as it is fascinating. Cicadas that have picked up resting spores on their bodies become vectors for the fungus’s spread, infecting others in a process called “Stage I.” Once these infected cicadas take flight, they spread the fungal plugs, which eventually burst from their abdomens and release new spores.
But here’s where things get even more twisted: Massospora has developed an amphetamine-like compound called cathinone. This psychoactive substance seems to manipulate the behavior of its host, encouraging them to stay mobile, social, and above all, sexually active. By chemically hijacking the cicadas’ priorities, the fungus ensures that it will spread as efficiently as possible.
This manipulation is so precise that infected males will even mimic female mating signals with their wings, drawing in both healthy and infected individuals. The fungal plug replaces much of the host’s abdomen, often destroying reproductive organs in the process. However, this mutilation does little to deter the infected cicadas from attempting to mate.
In what can only be described as a grotesque display of biological manipulation, the fungus hijacks the courtship behavior of its hosts. This is not just about simple infection; it’s an intricate dance designed to keep the show going for as long as the fungus needs until the next brood comes along.
As the infected cicadas continue to mate and interact, they unknowingly spread the fungal spores, which can survive for years in the environment. The fungus then produces hardy spores that fall to the soil and wait patiently for the next generation of cicadas to emerge.
This twisted arrangement has earned Massospora the title of “one of nature’s most grotesque manipulations.” While some might find this fungus’s behavior horrifying, others may appreciate its ingenuity. After all, it’s a masterclass in evolutionary adaptation, ensuring the survival of both the fungus and its host.
So, next time you see an insect, remember that there are forces at play beyond our comprehension.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/scotttravers/2025/04/06/this-morbid-fungus-turns-cicadas-into-hypersexual-zombies-without-genitals—a-biologist-explains/
