Scientists are reporting that the fungus Massospora has infected cicadas in the US., and is causing them to become lethally hypersexual.
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A Fungus Is Causing Cicadas to Have Too Much Sex
NPR reported on the major fungal infection, which is now affecting Brood X; a trillions-strong swarm of cicadas in the midst of infesting the northeast and central parts of the US. The brood, like all the other 15 periodical broods in the US., has long intervals of dormancy. And it’s only now coming out of a 17-year-long period of hibernation below ground.
Billions of cicadas, all belonging to "Brood X," are about to swarm over giant swaths of the U.S. for the first time in 17 years.
Watch how a beautiful metal wasp comes to life with nothing but some nuts and bolts. That and a whole bunch of highly skilled handiwork.