AN INDICATOR SPECIES OF GLOBAL WARMING IN BULGARIA

Abstract

The pine processionary moth Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775) (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) is one of the main pests in pine forests and an indicator species for global warming. Its expansion in Europe is considered one of the signals for changing climate. While other countries in the species range have a Mediterranean or oceanic climate, Bulgaria has a predominantly continental climate, which allows to see the pine processionary in a different light. For example, in Bulgaria, climate change is not causing expansion, but rather a habitat shift.