Rising temperatures are predicted to increase the populations of the spongy moth (Lymantria dispar), an invasive pest known for damaging forests by feeding on over 300 tree and shrub species. Originating from Europe, these pests were brought to the U.S. in the 19th century and have spread considerably, particularly in the Northeast. New research indicates their expansion into California threatens the oak forests, partly because warming temperatures are reducing the effectiveness of a natural fungus that controls their population, leading to fears of significant ecological damage.
These tiny creatures could soon wreak havoc on the West Coast's forests due to global warming, jeopardizing California's oak forests with their expanding populations.
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