"Zombie cicadas" return to West Virginia

[Still Waters]

Humans aren't the only ones susceptible to the psychedelic chemicals found in magic mushrooms. "Zombie cicadas" — under the influence of a parasitic fungus — have reemerged in West Virginia to infect their friends, and now scientists have a better understanding of how it happens. 

Researchers from West Virginia University recently saw the return of these bizarre creatures, which are infected with a fungus called Massospora. According to a study published in the journal PLOS Pathogens, the fungus manipulates the insects to unknowingly infect other cicadas, rapidly transmitting the disease to create a zombie army of sorts. 

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/zombie-cicadas-infected-mind-controlling-fungus-west-virginia/

[Big Jim]

Somebody will be smoking them now that the word is out.

[+Hammerclaw]

16 hours ago, Big Jim said:

Somebody will be smoking them now that the word is out.

They're great on S'mores, too!