Scientists are investigating a strange super-sized fungus that hijacks cicadas, turning them into hypersexual 'zombie' insects. This parasitic fungus produces amphetamine in the cicadas, making them hypersexual and aiding the spread of the parasite as a sexually transmitted disease. Scientists are actively collecting these sex-crazed cicadas to study the phenomenon. The periodical cicadas, which emerge every 17 years, are expected to die off by the end of June, leaving millions of dead insects on the ground.
Here's what to do with those cicada shells https://t.co/T09U2zXsll
The cicada invasion is coming to an end in Illinois. https://t.co/LB8QxUTz6X
Scientists collecting sex-crazed zombie cicadas on speed READ MORE: https://t.co/cBagkOXTE0
Scientists have been investigating a fungus that hijacks itself onto cicadas and turns them into “sex-crazed zombies”: “The fungus takes control over the cicada, makes them hypersexual, looking to spread the parasite as a sexually transmitted disease.” https://t.co/Mcc8iKAPTt
Scientists are collecting cicadas that are exhibiting strange symptoms due to a fungus that hijacks the bugs, turning them into sex-crazed zombies https://t.co/nSnKYeYnE7
I don’t mind the cicadas
Cicadas are definitely back. But so are many other critters. Every time I do a bug post, quite a few ask about “green/organic” alternatives. Hands down, this is one of the best products. Doesn’t last in heat/sun as long as regular pesticides, but still has a decent residual life. https://t.co/XINnEts4ti https://t.co/IFeXpLPYOr
How can one safely murder Cicadas without negatively impacting vegetation and Doodles? Best answer gets some $
Weekend Gardening: Mosquitoes, cicada netting and house plant introductions https://t.co/XYjs7sx1Kf
With their bulging red eyes and their alien-like mating sound, periodical cicadas can seem scary and weird enough. But some of them really are sex-crazed zombies on speed, hijacked by a super-sized fungus. https://t.co/OQtD7t8CaE
It’s a big year for cicadas and people who love them. For these women, tattoos featuring cicadas help them reflect on their lives — in 17-year chunks. https://t.co/K51tc3QY7z
Nature lovers are celebrating the emergence of these noisy bugs with cicada recipes, jewelry, costumes and photos. | By Caroline McDonald https://t.co/1sPVbQUVJy
The trillions of cicadas coming out this summer have gained some “superfans” who have shown their support of wildlife in interesting ways. | By Caroline McDonald https://t.co/1sPVbQVtz6
Bizarre fungus hijacks cicadas, transforming them into killer nymphomaniacs https://t.co/P8pwTbbW3X https://t.co/xz6YoRXkHI
How long will cicadas be here? You'll still have to deal with them even after they die https://t.co/se33DPGab3
Hypersexual ‘zombie’ cicadas infected with parasitic fungus being collected by scientists https://t.co/699TyrA6Tx
Cicada mating calls, which in unison can reach decibels comparable to a jet engine or lawnmower, are perhaps one of the insects’ most recognizable features. https://t.co/jMuUVHv3IQ
The periodical cicadas, which emerge from underground in the spring every 17 years, are expected to die off by the end of June, according to Morton Arboretum scientists. When they die off, millions of the dead insects will cover the ground. https://t.co/xT7Xk3oidl
A nasty fungus can take control over a cicada, producing amphetamine in the critter and making them hypersexual, thereby fueling the parasite's spread. https://t.co/7NEQNWoN64
Collecting sex-crazed zombie cicadas on speed: Scientists track a bug-controlling super-sized fungus https://t.co/kLnsWNJrM2
This strange fungus turns cicadas into sex-crazed zombies on speed https://t.co/TcdRHcral2 https://t.co/C3ilWKqOHx
With their bulging red eyes and their alien-like mating sound, periodical cicadas can seem scary and weird enough. But some of them really are sex-crazed zombies on speed, hijacked by a super-sized fungus: https://t.co/E3GbkxUHII
Just found a giant cicada in my home, and yipped like a teenage girl watching a slasher film. I thought these bastards couldn't fly that high.