What Is Hypersexual 'Zombie Cicadas' & Is It A Threat To Humans?

With the cicada emergence cycle nearing, experts are sounding alarms about a strange occurrence set to affect the United States: the arrival of "zombie cicadas." This year, trillions of these insects, waking up after 17 years, are expected to flood the nation. But there's a creepy twist straight out of a horror movie, millions of cicadas are anticipated to undergo a bizarre transformation this spring, morphing into hyper-sexual "zombies" due to a sexually transmitted fungus. Scientists have sounded the alarm, warning of the impending emergence of these peculiar creatures in parts of the United States.

Understanding the Phenomenon

According to Professor Matthew Kasson, an associate professor of mycology and forest pathology at West Virginia University, both Brood XIX (occurring every 13 years) and Brood XIII (occurring every 17 years) are expected to emerge in different regions, including Georgia, the Southeast, and Illinois. However, the concern lies not only in their emergence but also in the fungal pathogen named Massospora cicadina that infects them.

The Impact of Massospora Cicadina

This fungus, Massospora cicadina, has garnered attention due to its ability to manipulate the behaviour of cicadas. Infected cicadas exhibit hypersexual behaviour, characterized by a chalky, white plug erupting from their bodies and influencing their brains. As a result, the infected cicadas lose control over their reproductive functions, with their genitals even falling off in certain areas of the Southeast and Midwest.

Transmission and Spread

The transmission of the fungus is equally concerning. The chalky substance produced by infected cicadas acts as a "puppet master," facilitating the transmission of the infection through sexual encounters. Male cicadas, driven by a surge of adrenaline, attempt to mate with females, thereby spreading the fungus further. Additionally, infected males adopt deceptive tactics, pretending to be females to attract unsuspecting mates, effectively doubling the number of cicadas that come into contact with the infection.

While the emergence of Massospora cicadina-infected cicadas may seem like a peculiar anomaly, it is but one facet of nature's diverse repertoire. In recent times, instances of queer and transgender representation in the animal kingdom have garnered attention, offering glimpses into the intricacies of biological diversity. From half-male, half-female bird sightings in Colombia to the documented occurrence of gay humpback whale mating, nature continues to defy expectations and challenge conventional norms.

Concerns and Unknowns

Experts express profound concerns regarding the implications of this hypersexualized behaviour. The fungal infection, behaving akin to a sexually transmitted disease (STD), spreads rapidly, raising questions about its potential impact on cicada populations and ecological balance. Furthermore, the fate of wildlife and humans remains uncertain, as research indicates the presence of thousands of chemical compounds in infected cicadas, some of which may be toxic. While cicadas serve as a food source for various animals, including snakes and birds, the possibility of adverse effects on these predators cannot be discounted.

While researchers ensure that less than 5% of the trillion cicadas set to emerge will fall victim to the fungal scourge, the spectre of ecological disruption remains at large.