Invading Cicadas May Turn Into Sex-Crazed Zombies This Summer

The cicada summer is here. Millions of periodic cicadas are emerging across the Mid-Atlantic after hibernating underground for 17 years. They’ve missed everything from the creation of YouTube to Trump being elected. The cicadas’ unique life cycle comes as a means of “predator avoidance.” Scientists theorize cicadas spend a prime number of years underground, 13 or 17 years, depending on the species, to avoid synching up with predators. Then by descending in unison, the millions of clumsy, defenseless cicadas can overwhelm predators and stand a chance of survival. But they’ve got an even bigger thing to worry about above surface: a hallucinogenic fungus that turns them into sex-crazed zombies. Subscribe to VICE News here: Check out VICE News for more: Follow VICE News here: Facebook: Twitter: Tumblr: Instagram: More vi