Mind-controlling fungus is turning cicadas into 'hyper-sexual zombies'

Mind-controlling fungus is turning cicadas into 'hyper-sexual zombies'

If the constant buzzing noise wasn't bad enough, experts at the Field Museum in Chicago, Illinois, say a mind-controlling fungus is turning cicadas into 'hyper-sexual zombies.'

It's called Massospora Cicadina, a white fungus that targets 13- and 17-year periodical cicadas.

The 'zombie fungus,' as it's being called, has already infected cicadas across the central and southern parts of Illinois and is beginning to pop up in the Chicago area.

"Only about 10 percent or less of cicadas are going to get it," said Jim Louderman, collections assistant at Chicago's Field Museum. Louderman says the chalky, white spore packet that replaces an infected cicada's abdomen and genitalia is used to spread the infection to other cicadas.

Video by REUTERS

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