Extension Expert in Newspaper Story on Caterpillar
A Bangor Daily News story about a rise in abundance of the Hickory Tussock caterpillar included comments from UMaine Cooperative Extension entomologist Clay Kirby. Kirby told the BDN he has more samples of the caterpillar sent to his laboratory and more information requests than previous years. The numbers of the caterpillar, which can cause an allergic reaction in some people, may be rising due to weather influences, parasites, predators, diseases, or human effects, Kirby added.
Contact: Jessica Bloch, 207-581-3777