A forest pest that bedevils Maine residents and tourists with hairs that cause an itchy rash appears to be spreading due to warming temperatures.
This 2017 photo by Holland Haverkamp shows a browntail moth caterpillar in Maine. The caterpillars can cause an itchy rash in humans, and a new study by University of Maine scientists states that their spread appears aided by climate change. – A forest pest that bedevils Maine residents and tourists with hairs that cause an itchy rash appears to be spreading due to warming temperatures, a group of scientists has found.
Warmer fall temperatures are especially beneficial to the pesky bugs because that allows them to get fatter before they hibernate for the winter, said Eleanor Groden, professor emerita of entomology at University of Maine and the principal investigator on the study.“If they come out of those webs as hearty individuals, older individuals maturity wise, then they are better able to withstand that period and you get higher populations,” Groden said.
It's another example of how climate change can aggravate pest problems and jeopardize human health, said David Wagner, a professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Connecticut who was not involved in the study. Climate change has already exacerbated problems with disease-causing pests such as mosquitoes and ticks, he said.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Rash-causing moth spreading due to warming, scientists findPORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A forest pest that bedevils Maine residents and tourists with hairs that cause an itchy rash appears to be spreading due to warming temperatures, a group of scientists has found.
Read more »
Rash-causing moth spreading due to warming, scientists findPORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A forest pest that bedevils Maine residents and tourists with hairs that cause an itchy rash appears to be spreading due to warming temperatures, a group of scientists has found.
Read more »
King Tut's glorious iron dagger is made from a meteoriteTutankhamen, also known as King Tut, had an expertly forged dagger that is made from meteorite. Here's how scientists found out.
Read more »
Ford recalls 250,000 heavy-duty pickups due to fractured drive shaftsFORD RECALL - Ford has recalled 250,000 pickup trucks due to fractured drive shafts, which could cause a loss of power. The trucks affected are 2017 through 2022 F-250 and F-350 Super Duty pickups that have gasoline engines and aluminum drive shafts.
Read more »
Cause of Death Revealed For Alicia Witt's Parents - E! OnlineFollowing the tragic death of actress Alicia Witt’s parents, a cause of death has been disclosed for the couple, who were found in their Massachusetts home in December.
Read more »