The Windshield Phenomenon is still misunderstood
- Herb Broda: Nature Notebook
- June 22, 2019
- 2966
Poison hemlock is both very attractive but also highly toxic. According to OSU Extension, all parts of the plant contain toxic substances that cause respiratory failure in humans and other animals if ingested.
How long since you scraped squashed bugs from your windshield? Have you recently had bugs in your teeth and hair after a bike ride? On warm summer nights do you see small swarms of insects around streetlights? For me it’s been quite awhile.
Scientists also have taken notice. In fact they have come up with a term for it: the Windshield Phenomenon (or Windscreen in Europe), which refers to the apparent decline of flying insect populations. Although the public is aware of declines in well-known populations like butterflies and honeybees, until recently little was known about the thousands of lesser known species that buzz around us.
It’s a very real problem, however. An extensive study in Europe has found insect biomass in its test sites decreased by over 70 percent. That's pretty powerful stuff. If you are an animal that relies on insects for food, you have lost nearly three-fourths of your food supply.
So why is it a problem for us? At the most basic level, insects are a critical part of a healthy ecosystem. Many plants rely on flying insects for pollination, so without pollination we can’t have the fruits and veggies we love.
Insects also are a critical part of the food chain, serving as important food sources for a wide variety of animals. They also are effective predators, controlling some of the species we would call pests.
Insects also are effective housekeepers, quietly decomposing the dead organic material that litters the ground. Renowned biologist E.O. Wilson has referred to insects and other invertebrates as “little things that run the world."
It’s a bit scary to let your mind wander to a world that has no insects. In his book, "The Diversity of Life," Wilson states, “As extinction spreads, some of the lost forms prove to be keystone species, whose disappearance brings down other species and triggers a ripple effect. The loss of a keystone species is like a drill accidentally striking a power line. It causes lights to go out all over.”
There is no consensus as to what is causing the Windshield Phenomenon. Remember that we are talking about thousands of types of insects that have varying habitats, feeding requirements and life cycles. This isn’t about the decline of only a specific species or two.
Scientists generally mention two main possibilities — loss of habitat and increased pesticide usage — but much more research is needed to define the extent of the problem globally, as well as to isolate possible causes. Hopefully awareness of the Windshield Phenomenon will continue to focus attention on this ominous anomaly that has existed under the radar for most of us.
Poison hemlock
If you were driving on rural roads during the last few weeks, you have seen what Buckeye Yard and Garden Online calls one of the most deadly plants in North America: poison hemlock.
It’s impossible to miss this plant now. It has grown to 4- to 8-feet tall and has umbrella-shaped clusters of white flowers that look quite impressive. It grows all over: in pastures, roadsides, ditches and stream banks. It is my unscientific hunch that there seems to be more of this biennial locally this year than last year.
Like many nasty things in the world, poison hemlock is both very attractive but also highly toxic. According to OSU Extension, “All parts of the plant contain toxic substances that cause respiratory failure in humans and other animals if ingested.”
The ancient Greeks used this plant to execute Socrates, the Greek philosopher, and cattle can die from eating just 300-500 grams of the plant material.
What concerns me is the attractive look of this plant at this time of year. It definitely dominates the landscape and could easily attract children to take a closer look or, heaven forbid, take a taste. The leaves look similar to parsley, and the white flowers entice a closer look.
Recently on a state route I saw poison hemlock growing right at the edge of driveways very near homes. I’m uncomfortable seeing something that toxic almost in the front yard. If you live near this pretty but very dangerous plant, use caution and make sure everyone knows what it is. You also may want to check with OSU Extension about safe ways to eradicate the plant.
Email Herb Broda at 4nature.notebook@gmail.com.