There is no difference between the proportion of male to female nymphs being infected by spores in this stage. In the early stages of Stage I infection, the infection is completely concealed inside the abdomen of the cicada. Some time before the death of the host, the rear segments of the abdomen fall off, revealing a white, chalky mass or "plug" of the fungus, which produces spores. Because of this method of spreading of Stage I spores, cicadas infected with M. cicadina have been referred to as "flying salt shakers of death". Infected cicadas are infertile.
