Epic Migration
A species of butterfly migrates thousands of miles from sub-Saharan Africa to Europe during years when the weather is favorable. The painted lady’s 8,700-mile migration is the longest known in the insect world.
“We know that the number of painted lady butterflies in Europe varies wildly, sometimes with 100 times more from one year to the next,” said Tom Oliver of England’s University of Reading. That variability can now be explained by the weather, which may also affect other insects as the climate warms. “We enjoy seeing the beautiful painted lady butterflies in our gardens in Europe, but climate change will also lead to shifts in invasive species that are crop pests or those that spread diseases,” Oliver warns.
Avian Mystery Disease
Birds from Washington, D.C., to Kentucky have recently been found suffering from a mysterious illness that causes them to have crusty eyes and swollen faces that prevent them from flying.
The affected species have so far been blue jays, common grackles and European starlings. People who have discovered the ill birds say they act like they are blind and are not afraid of people.
Since bird feeders and birdbaths can spread disease among feathered creatures, experts advise residents in the affected region to stop feeding the birds and to clean their feeders and baths with a 10% beach solution, wearing gloves to avoid exposure to any pathogens.
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