For all my bug-loving friends - you need to read
Jun 5, 2018 14:54:00 #
"The Silence of the Bugs", an article by Curt Stager in the 5/27/18 edition of the NY Times.
Jun 5, 2018 19:09:26 #
Yes, I have heard of this. Anecdotally, I have noticed the sharp decline. I personally think that various factors are in play, but one could well be the wide use of neonicotinoid insecticides. These are used as systemic insecticides in crops, but they are very toxic to insects and very, very persistent. So low levels of them exist in the soil and water literally everywhere. Not enough to kill outright, but they effect behavior and that is enough to increase mortality. They are being slowly banned in Europe and in the U.S., but there is plenty of resistance to that from farmers and of course from chemical industry lobbyists.
Jun 6, 2018 05:12:18 #
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