Cicada Zombies (8-5-2020)

Joe Birsa sends in a very interesting (and apparently true) article about Cicadas being hijacked by a fungus. The fungus produces psychotropic chemicals which affect the Cicadas’ behavior in, shall we say, unusual ways. Verified by several Board members including Bryan Mathie who thinks: “Yes, it’s real, but the impact on the Cicada population is likely to be small because they reproduce quickly”.

It’s interesting that Asian cultures have eaten deep fried Cicadas for hundreds of years. Should you be tempted to follow suit, remember that fungi produce all sorts of harmful compounds as well as the happy ones. Plus, you’ll have to keep your oil hot for another 14? years until the next time they emerge. Click here for Joe’s original article. Click here for a confirming article from the Smithsonian.