THE exotic insects invading Scandinavia are finding shelter from the cold in
an unexpected place鈥攖he compost heaps in gardens.
Of the 300 or so insect species found in a typical Nordic compost heap, as
many as 34 are aliens from balmier climes, say Frode 脴degaard and Bj枚rn 脜ge
Tommeras of the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research in Trondheim.
Old insect collections show that all 34 arrived in the past century (
Diversity & Distributions, vol 6, p 45). The invaders feel at home in
the warmth of fermenting compost, where they can overwinter. But not all are
staying put. Nearly a third have established themselves in natural habitats, and
a few are becoming widespread.
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