Climate Change Drives Fly Surge in Victoria Amid Global Insect Decline Trends

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Climate change and mild winters have created perfect conditions for flies to survive through their non-feeding stages in Victoria.

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Senior curator Dr Ken Walker reports very cold winters and regular frost in the 1980s, with a current trend toward milder winters.

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Wind currents from central Australia transport massive swarms of bush flies towards Melbourne when food sources and winds align.

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Museums Victoria's Dr Richard Marchant cautions against attributing higher fly numbers solely to climate, citing multiple environmental factors.

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Australian researchers face challenges in tracking insect populations due to lack of long-term monitoring data, unlike European counterparts.

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German studies reveal alarming 70% decline in insect biomass over three decades, while UK data shows mixed population trends.

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Local wildlife enthusiast Peter Ewin observes varying insect species each year at Albury's Nail Can Hill, noting late appearances this spring.

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Wet winters and springs contribute significantly to insect diversity, creating favorable breeding conditions.

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Natural parasites and predators like wasps and spiders help control exploding fly populations naturally.

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