Cicadas infected by a mysterious fungus

SOURCE www.foxnews.com
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.

Key Points

  • Fungus Massospora cicadina infects cicadas turning their bodies into a 'chalky mess of spores'
  • Infected cicadas display altered behavior and unusual sexual behavior
  • The fungus is naturally occurring in the environment and harmless to humans

Pros

  • The fungus is harmless to humans and only affects cicadas
  • Cicadas play an important role in the ecosystem

Cons

  • Some infected cicadas display abnormal sexual behaviors