Cicada Without A Body

Cicada Without a Body

by

On my deck in Arkansas, I encountered an unusual sight—a Cicada without an abdomen. Intrigued, I explored what caused this bizarre condition. These insects are known as “Zombie Cicadas,” victims of a parasitic fungus called Massospora.

Zombie Cicada: Nature’s Eerie Phenomenon
A Cicada infected by Massospora fungus, displaying its missing abdomen—a striking example of how nature’s parasites manipulate their hosts for survival.

On my deck in Arkansas, I encountered an unusual sight—a Cicada without an abdomen. Intrigued, I explored what caused this bizarre condition. These insects are known as “Zombie Cicadas,” victims of a parasitic fungus called Massospora.

The Science Behind Zombie Cicadas

Zombie Cicadas are infected by Massospora, a fungus that consumes their abdomens, including vital organs like their digestive and reproductive systems. Despite this, the Cicadas survive for a surprising period, although their days are numbered. The fungus typically affects mature Cicadas, which already have short lifespans of a few weeks.

Erratic Behavior and the Pathogen’s Spread

The infection alters the Cicadas’ behavior. They jump and twitch excessively, spreading fungal spores to others. The fungus manipulates them to climb high into vegetation, maximizing the reach of its spores. Without abdomens, the infected Cicadas cannot mate or feed, leading to their inevitable death.

A Grim Role in Nature

Infected Cicadas become carriers for the fungus, unintentionally aiding its spread. Their zombie-like actions ensure the pathogen continues its lifecycle, infecting new hosts. This parasitic relationship highlights nature’s intricate, sometimes unsettling, survival mechanisms.

A Reminder of Resilience

Though their condition is fatal, Zombie Cicadas demonstrate the resilience of these insects. Cicadas play a vital role in ecosystems, feeding predators and enriching the soil. Their plight underscores the balance of life and death in nature.

My Experience

Photographing the Zombie Cicada on my deck offered a glimpse into this phenomenon. It was a striking reminder of the complex interactions between organisms, where even parasites play a role in the broader ecosystem.

Gear Used:

  • Camera: Canon EOS R5
  • Lens: RF100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

Technical:

  • Location: My Yard (Arkansas)
  • Date and Time Taken: July 5, 2022 (08:51 A. M.)
  • Exposure Mode: Manual
  • Aperture: f7.1
  • Shutter speed: 1/500
  • ISO: 640 (Auto)
  • Exposure Compensation: +1/2
  • Focal Length: 500 mm

For more on Cicadas, check out these related posts: