Massospora
Scientific name: Massospora
Massospora
Scientific name: Massospora
Description
Massospora is a fascinating group of fungi that infect cicadas. They produce spores that replace the abdomen of infected cicadas, causing the insects to lose their lower body parts. Despite this, infected cicadas continue to fly and interact with others, unknowingly spreading the fungal spores. Some species of massospora produce compounds similar to hallucinogenic drugs, potentially altering cicada behavior.
Species of Massospora
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Zygote fungi Class
Entomophthoromycetes Order
Insect destroyers Family
Entomophthoraceae Genus
Massospora