New research shows that climate change will promote the spread of spongy moths across North America by diminishing the effects of a biocontrol fungus. The study emphasizes the need to consider interactions among multiple species when predicting the ecological impacts of climate change, suggesting that the resurgence of spongy moths could lead to significant forest damage due to a decline in natural predators.
Recent research indicates that climate change will facilitate the spread of the invasive spongy moth (
Lymantria dispar
) across North America by creating hotter and drier conditions that hinder the growth of a fungus,
Entomophaga maimaiga
, which typically limits moth populations. Developed by experts from the University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory, the study underscores the significance of considering the interactions between various species when assessing climate change impacts.
Founded on advanced computer models, the research highlights that even minimal changes in environmental conditions may lead to substantial ecological ramifications. Historically, the spongy moth, introduced to New England in 1869, has devastated forests, particularly by feeding on oak trees. In the late 1980s, the introduction of the fungal infection helped control moth populations, sparing millions of trees from damage.
However, the latest findings suggest that reductions in fungal infection rates due to climate change could enable a significant resurgence of spongy moth populations. According to Professor Greg Dwyer of the University of Chicago, those who study climate change must consider the cumulative effects across multiple species, stating, “The vast majority of previous climate change studies look at individual organisms, but a small amount of climate change can have a big effect when you compound it across multiple species.”
This research reiterates the importance of incorporating detailed climate data into models predicting ecological outcomes. The updated projections unveiled a stark reality: as climate remains hotter and drier, the rate of fungal infections is projected to decline, consequently allowing more spongy moths to survive and cause defoliation in forests. With recent climatic patterns already resulting in unexpected moth outbreaks, the urgency to address the consequences of climate change on these invasive species becomes paramount.
The spongy moth, an invasive species originally from Europe, was first introduced to North America in the 19th century. It has since become a significant pest, particularly notorious for its destruction of forests by feeding on the leaves of trees, especially oak. The introduction of the fungus Entomophaga maimaiga in the late 20th century was initially regarded as a successful biocontrol measure, helping to temper the moth’s population. However, current research suggests that climate change is undermining these efforts, facilitating conditions that allow moths to thrive unchecked.
In summary, the potential impact of climate change on the invasive spongy moth is dire, with research indicating that rising temperatures and decreased precipitation will likely hinder the natural controls that currently help manage the moth’s populations. This highlights the necessity of more comprehensive models that include various species interactions when forecasting ecological impacts in the context of global climate change.
Original Source: www.technologynetworks.com
