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While cicada nymphs are living in the soil they may become infected with a parasitic fungus such as this one, Isaria sinclairii. The fungus feeds on the nymph’s insides until it completely fills its body cavity. It then sends a stalk up to the surface and grows the spore-bearing structure seen here. The powdery spores fall to the ground ready to infect other cicada nymphs.
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by Shirley Kerr
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