It looks like nature is about to put on an interesting show in the United States! Cicadas are known for their periodic appearances, and these events can be quite impressive. When millions of them emerge at the same time, it certainly attracts attention. Authorities and residents are often preparing to deal with the temporary increase in these insects, which can impact local vegetation and the environment.

Life cycle of periodical cicadas

Periodical cicadas have a fascinating life cycle that can last several years. Here is an overview of the life cycle of these insects:

1. **Eggs**: Female cicadas lay their eggs in cracks in the bark of trees or in holes in the ground. Each female can lay hundreds of eggs.

2. **Nymphs**: When the eggs hatch, the young cicadas, called nymphs, fall to the ground and dig until they find plant roots to feed on. They spend most of their lives underground, feeding on the sap of the roots.

3. **Moults**: As the nymphs grow, they go through several stages of molting, shedding their outer skin as they grow. These molts can occur several times during the underground period, which can last anywhere from 2 to 17 years, depending on the cicada species.

4. **Emergence**: When the time comes, mature nymphs emerge from the ground, usually at night. They climb nearby trees or structures and complete their final metamorphosis, transforming into winged adults.

5. **Adult life**: Adults only live for a few weeks. During this time, males produce the characteristic “singing” sound to attract females and mate. After mating, the females lay their eggs and the cycle begins again.

The life cycle of periodical cicadas is adapted to optimize their survival and reproduction in a specific environment, with their appearances synchronized at regular intervals. These cycles can vary according to the species and geographic region.

Synchronization of cycles and prime numbers

The synchronization of periodical cicada cycles and prime numbers is an interesting phenomenon that has puzzled mathematicians and biologists. Periodical cicadas have life cycles that typically last 13 or 17 years, which are prime numbers. This is notable because prime life cycles make it less likely that periodical cicada populations will become synchronized with other natural events or with predator populations.

Why is this important? When a species' life cycle is a prime number, such as 13 or 17 years, it is less likely to coincide with the cycles of other natural events, such as the life cycles of its predators. This can help protect periodical cicada populations from excessive predation, since predators are less likely to have a life cycle that coincides with that of the cicadas.

Furthermore, this phenomenon has interesting implications for prime number theory and ecology. Nature appears to have adopted these prime numbers throughout its life cycles, which raises intriguing questions about how evolution favored these specific periods.

In short, the synchronization of periodical cicadas' cycles with prime numbers is a fascinating example of how mathematics and biology intertwine in nature.

Hallucinogenic fungus and modified behavior

There are several examples in nature of fungi that can cause behavioral changes in their hosts. One of the best-known examples is the fungus of the genus Cordyceps, which infects insects and other arthropods, altering their behavior in specific ways to facilitate the spread of the fungus.

With regard to hallucinogenic fungi, such as psychedelic mushrooms of the Psilocybe species, their effects are generally not associated with modifying the behavior of other organisms in the same way as parasitic fungi such as Cordyceps. Instead, psychedelic fungi primarily affect human behavior when ingested.

Psychedelic mushrooms contain psychoactive compounds, such as psilocybin and psilocin, which have profound effects on the human mind. When consumed, these compounds can cause consciousness-altering experiences, including visual hallucinations, changes in perception of time and space, heightened emotions, and spiritual insights.

Although hallucinogenic fungi do not directly modify the behavior of other organisms, their influence on the human mind can lead to altered behaviors in social interactions, creativity and perception of the world around us.

However, it is important to note that the use of psychedelic fungi has the potential for adverse effects and, in some cases, can lead to unpleasant or even dangerous experiences. Therefore, its consumption should be done with caution and responsibly, preferably under the supervision of experienced people and in a safe environment.