Problem

Defoliating insects

Nature:

Overgrazing by defoliating insects can disrupt natural forest ecosystems. Defoliation seriously interferes with energy flows: the ingestion of leaves that otherwise would have fallen and decomposed, interferes with normal nutrient cycles. Periodic severe outbreaks by insects such as the gypsy moth, spruce budworm, tent caterpillar, and cankerworm can significantly alter species composition and influence succession.

Broader Problems:
Insect pests of plants
Strategies:
Farming with trees
Values:
Defoliation
Subject(s):
Invertebrates Insects
Societal Problems Destruction
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
GOAL 15: Life on Land
Problem Type:
E: Emanations of other problems
Date of last update
18.09.2019 – 16:33 CEST