Chapter
The Symbiosis Between Psilocybin, Fungi, and Insects
34:51 - 42:14 (07:23)
This podcast explores the symbiotic relationship between psilocybin, fungi, and insects. Although psilocybin is not used to manipulate cicadas, many species of cordyceps infect insects with similar effects.
Clips
Psilocybin, a hallucinogenic compound found in certain mushrooms, has been present in nature for over 75 million years and affects the brain by binding to receptors.
34:51 - 37:36 (02:44)
Summary
Psilocybin, a hallucinogenic compound found in certain mushrooms, has been present in nature for over 75 million years and affects the brain by binding to receptors. Massospora, a fungus that produces psilocybin along with cathinone, has also been discovered.
ChapterThe Symbiosis Between Psilocybin, Fungi, and Insects
Episode#592: Dennis McKenna — An Ethnopharmacologist on Hallucinogens, Sex-Crazed Cicadas, The Mushrooms of Language, BioGnosis, and Illuminating Obscure Corners
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
Cicadas are being taken over by a fungus called Massospora, which replaces their abdomens with fungal sporangia, causing them to become hypersexual and mate with anything in sight, thus spreading the fungus to other cicadas.
37:36 - 38:51 (01:15)
Summary
Cicadas are being taken over by a fungus called Massospora, which replaces their abdomens with fungal sporangia, causing them to become hypersexual and mate with anything in sight, thus spreading the fungus to other cicadas.
ChapterThe Symbiosis Between Psilocybin, Fungi, and Insects
Episode#592: Dennis McKenna — An Ethnopharmacologist on Hallucinogens, Sex-Crazed Cicadas, The Mushrooms of Language, BioGnosis, and Illuminating Obscure Corners
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
Many different species of cordyceps infect insects like ants or caterpillars, some even use psilocybin or amphetamine to drug cicadas into mating nonstop.
38:51 - 42:14 (03:23)
Summary
Many different species of cordyceps infect insects like ants or caterpillars, some even use psilocybin or amphetamine to drug cicadas into mating nonstop. The symbiosis between psilocybin mushrooms and humans has been beneficial for both organisms.