Cicadas infected by a mysterious fungus

Reports of a mysterious fungus infecting cicadas causing abnormal sexual behaviors, referred to as 'zombies', but experts clarify that there is nothing to worry about as the fungus is harmless to humans and only affects cicadas.

Cicadas infected by 'zombie' fungus

Cicadas from brood XIX are being infected by a fungus that turns them into 'sex-crazed zombies' by tearing off their genitals but driving them to keep mating. The fungus replaces the cicada's backend with a 'chalky white gum drop' and keeps them alive to spread spores. Infected cicadas become hypersexual and even pretend to be females to mate with other males. The fungus also produces a stimulant that possibly makes the cicadas 'high out of their minds.' The infection doesn't pose a risk to humans.

Cicadas Emergence in 2024 and Pet Safety

Animals at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, Illinois, were spotted eating cicadas which have emerged after 17 years. While cicadas are generally not toxic to pets, large quantities or allergies could lead to gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions in pets.

Rare Blue-Eyed Cicadas in Chicago

Animals at Brookfield Zoo in Chicago were spotted eating rare blue-eyed cicadas that emerged for the first time in 17 years.

Brood 19 Cicadas Emergence

Brood 19 cicadas have emerged in parts of the Southeast and are making a lot of noise.

Cicada Emergence in the United States

Trillions of cicadas are about to emerge in the United States, with two groups, Brood XIX and Brood XIII, expected to appear in different regions. The event, known as “cicada-geddon,” is a rare occurrence that last happened in 1803. Cicadas spend years underground and emerge to mate, making loud noises to attract females.

Current Events

Key figures from O.J. Simpson's trial react to his death, dinner becomes Gaza protest flashpoint, and tens of billions of cicadas are coming. Russia's intense bombardment threatens Ukraine's air defense system.

Current Events

Key figures from O.J. Simpson's trial react to his death, dinner becomes Gaza protest flashpoint, and tens of billions of cicadas are coming

News Highlights

Key figures from O.J. Simpson's trial react to his death, dinner becomes Gaza protest flashpoint, and tens of billions of cicadas are coming.

Cicada Emergence in the United States

Billions of cicadas are expected to swarm in more than a dozen states, creating ideal fishing conditions. These periodical cicadas emerge every 13 or 17 years, with two broods rising together for the first time in 221 years. The mating and life cycle of cicadas are unique and fascinating.

Trillions of cicadas emerging in the U.S.

Trillions of cicadas are expected to emerge across the U.S. this spring, along with other interesting stories and tips.

Climate Change and Natural Phenomena

ABC legal analyst Sunny Hostin suggests that eclipses, earthquakes, and cicadas may lead one to believe in climate change based on recent natural phenomena.

Cicada Invasion in the United States

Trillions of cicadas are set to emerge in the United States for the first time in 221 years. This noisy mating frenzy will involve two large broods that have been living underground for 17 and 13 years respectively. Despite the large volume of cicadas, the event is not expected to look much different from previous emergences.

Cicada Invasion in the United States

Trillions of cicadas are set to emerge in the United States for the first time in 221 years. Two large broods of periodical cicadas, Brood XIII and XIX, will emerge across 17 states, creating a noisy mating frenzy. The event is rare and won't happen again until 2244.

Cicadas Peeing in Jets

Cicadas pee in jets which could help scientists understand microfluidics and advance technologies.