Zombie Cicadas: Trillions Set to Invade US in Cicada-geddon

A massive invasion of zombie-like periodical cicadas is set to hit the United States, with trillions of these eerie insects emerging in what scientists are dubbing “cicada-geddon.” These alien-like creatures have been lurking underground for over a decade in two regions of the US and are now ready to surface in overwhelming numbers.

Periodical cicadas, known for their 13 to 17 years of underground existence as nymphs, sustain themselves by feeding on tree roots before emerging en masse. Two broods, Brood XIX from the southeast and Brood XIII from Illinois, are simultaneously expected to swarm the landscape with a magnitude not witnessed since 1803 during Thomas Jefferson’s presidency.

These peculiar cicadas have some fascinating features. They are discovered to be exceptional urinators, surpassing even elephants and humans in the strength and speed of their urine flow. Utilizing pumps in their heads, they extract moisture from tree roots, sustaining themselves through a unique process. These insects spend the majority of their lives drinking and are recognized for their remarkable peeing capabilities.

Moreover, there is a bizarre phenomenon of a fungal disease that turns these cicadas into zombies, causing their reproductive organs to detach. The infected cicadas, under the control of the fungus, wander around spreading the disease to other males. This unsettling condition renders them infertile, leading to hallucinatory effects even on birds that consume the infected insects.

The impending cicada swarm is poised to have a significant impact on the environment and potentially on humans. With their short lifespan of 20-25 days post-emergence, these trillions of cicadas will engage in feeding, mating, and egg-laying before perishing. The sheer volume of these insects, coupled with their peculiar behaviors and the spread of the fungal disease, creates a fascinating yet slightly disconcerting scenario in the affected regions.

As the US braces for this extraordinary natural event, the presence of these zombie cicadas adds a peculiar twist to the already unique phenomenon of periodical cicadas. The interplay between these insects, the environment, and potential interactions with humans presents a captivating narrative of nature’s intricate and sometimes eerie wonders.