The generation X 17 year Cicadas (a prime number to reduce the chances of an insectivore synchronising with it?) are emerging in the United States. Some will have been infected by a soil fungus. The fungus Massospora cicada, produces a psychodelic chemical, like that in magic mushrooms. It turns the insect into a sex machine. The cicada produces calls of both males and females, attracting mates. This passes on the fungus to other Cicadas but the insect's body organs have been consumed by the infection, so no reproduction occurs. The fungus wins the reproductive game!
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