Massospora cicadina

Massospora cicadina is a specialized entomopathogenic fungus that targets periodical cicadas of the genus Magicicada. Unlike typical plant pathogens, it functions as a biological control agent, specifically adapted to the unique 13-year and 17-year life cycles of its host insects.

The fungus functions by colonizing the insect's abdomen, where it replaces internal tissues and reproductive organs with a mass of asexual spores. This transformation occurs as the cicada emerges from the soil, effectively turning the infected insect into a vector for dispersing the pathogen through its movement and mating attempts.

Symptoms are easily identifiable in the field: infected cicadas lose the posterior portions of their abdomen, which appear as a chalky white plug of fungal conidia. Infected insects remain mobile and often engage in altered mating behaviors, which are induced by compounds produced by the fungus to maximize spore dispersal.

The transmission of Massospora cicadina is highly dependent on environmental conditions and the density of the cicada brood. Spores can remain dormant in the soil for over a decade, surviving until the next synchronized emergence, which ensures the survival of the fungal population across generations.

While the pathogen does not directly impact crops, its study is vital for entomology and agroecology. Understanding how this fungus regulates insect populations provides insights into developing sustainable biological control methods, reducing the need for chemical interventions in managed landscapes.