Researchers for West Virginia University are spotting a strange insect.
They’re called “Zombie Cicadas.” PLOS Pathogens says the large insects are actually regular Cicadas but are infected by a psychedelic fungus similar to hallucinogenic mushrooms. After a while, their limbs fall off and their body rots.
Once a cicada is infected, it tries to infect others Cicadas by mating with them. It’s unclear how the Cicadas become infected since they live below ground between 13 to 17 years. The good news is “Zombie Cicadas” appear to be harmless to humans.
Source: USA Today
