Parasitic fungus-infected cicadas with hypersexual behavior are being collected by scientists.

Scientists are currently collecting specimens of cicadas infected with a parasitic fungus that transforms the insects into hypersexual "zombies" on amphetamines, with the goal of spreading the parasite to other hosts.

Mycology professor Matt Kasson from West Virginia University, along with his 9-year-old son Oliver and graduate student Angie Macias, traveled to the Morton Arboretum outside Chicago to locate infected cicadas.

Earlier this month, Chicago's Field Museum informed Planet Chronicle Digital that the fungus, Massospora cicadina, infects cicadas and turns the back part of their bodies into a "chalky mess of spores."

The fungus replaces the cicada's genitalia with a "fungal plug," which can be torn open during mating, causing the cicada to fly around and spread spores.

The only fungus on Earth that produces amphetamine, known as speed, when it takes over a cicada.

Despite the rarity of infected cicadas, Kasson and his team gathered 36 during their brief search in the Chicago area. However, people have already sent him over 200 from various regions of the country. Kasson is currently awaiting the RNA analysis of the fungus.

"Kasson informed the AP that the mysterious fungus was a mycological oddity for a long time due to its large genome, production of wild compounds, and ability to keep the host active."

While the fungus causes cicadas to become addicted and promiscuous, it does not pose a threat to humans or other animals.

Planet Chronicle' Christine Rousselle and The Associated Press contributed to this report.