Cracking the Code on Zombie Cicadas

Explore the fascinating world of zombie cicadas in this 35-minute lecture by Dr. Matt Kasson, Associate Professor of Mycology and Forest Pathology at West Virginia University. Delve into the history and recent discoveries surrounding the fungal genus Massospora, an obligate cicada parasite first described in 1879. Learn about groundbreaking research that has uncovered amphetamine production in fungi and the largest fungal genome to date. Discover how the dual emergence of 13-year and 17-year cicadas in 2024 provides a rare opportunity for extensive sampling and research. Gain insights into the challenges of studying this enigmatic zombifying fungus, including its complex genome and obligate lifestyle. Understand the broader implications of this research for fungal diseases, arthropod interactions, and biological control methods in forest ecosystems.