Browntail Moth That Causes Itchy Rash Increase in Population Due To Warming

A forest insect had been pestering the local residents of Maine. Both the state's population and even tourists are reportedly inflicted with an itchy rash from the species. According to a new study, the phenomenon is induced by the intense warming of temperatures.

Browntail Moths: Euproctis chrysorrhoe

The pests are known as the browntail moths (Euproctis chrysorrhoea). In the United States, many forests commonly house insects. Based on previous observations, the animal defoliated trees and can give human skin rashes similar to poison ivy burn.

When in caterpillar form, the browntail moth has physiology full of hair that is specified to cause the skin problem. The same subject was responsible for an outbreak for about seven years. Alongside dermatological problems, the browntail moth could also cause several respiratory problems.

A recent investigation implies that the moth's spread is associated with the increase in global temperature. Warm weather affects the insects' biological behavior, especially in fall, where it is not as hot as the temperatures are.

But the problem may still occur in the future, as the authors noted that the climate trends still surge even up to this date.

Warmer weather conditions induce the natural behavior of many insects, including the browntail moths. University of Maine School of Biology and Ecology expert Eleanor Groden, who authored the study, explained in a PhysOrg report that temperature is beneficial for them as it allows a fattening process before they hibernate for a long period of time for winter.

Groden said that the excessive population of the browntail moths poses a respiratory risk, especially to those who belong in the older age groups. She continued many plants defoliated due to their impact, resulting in the destruction of gardens and yards in urban yards.

Rash-Causing Moth in the United States

The browntail moth is native to European countries and nearby regions of Africa and Asia. The insect became widespread in North America in the late 19th century due to an unexpected migration. Today, they are still infesting major parts of Maine and Cape Cod in Massachusetts.

Through the comprehensive examinations of the animal, the Euproctis chrysorrhoea was determined to be active mid-year, between April and June.

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services considers the browntail moth as "an insect of both forest and human health concern."

The population of the insect species fluctuated over the years since its arrival in the United States back in 1904. In Maine, the cases continued to worsen each year. In 2020, the worst browntail moth infestation was recorded throughout the state's history.

In the last two years, the species are still expanding to the northern and western parts of the Maine state's forests in the last two year, according to the Maine Forest Service.

University of Connecticut expert David Wagner, who was not involved in the study, explained that climate change seems to be the principal factor of the phenomenon. Whether we like it or not, the outbreaks will persist in the future, along with negative impacts on the businesses of landowners.

The study was published in the journal Environmental Entomology, titled "Factors Influencing the Population Fluctuations of Euproctis chrysorrhoea (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) in Maine."

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