moth dust

[Chris J. Durden]

Years ago when I used to keep *Peromiscus* mice in captivity I watched on 
several occasions their response to moths presented as food. Most moths 
were fine and accepted. "Millers" or Noctuids would "shiver" releasing a 
cloud of body scales. The mouse would sneeze and lose its grip and the moth 
would fly off.
    Allergies often depend on a combination of factors. Many years ago I 
eased up on collecting noctuids because they seemed to be allergenic for 
me. Presently I am starting to collect them more again.
.............Chris Durden

At 09:15 AM 5/29/2001 +0000, you wrote:
>I have seen this happen with colleagues who have had prolonged exposure
>to hawkmoths in a research colony; sensitivity appeared to increase with
>time, though use of dust masks seemed to solve the problem.
>
>monarchsforever wrote:
>
> >   I put about 10 pair of Lunas in a box to tie and the next day when I
> > took the lid off I must have inhaled about a cup of white abdomen
> > dust. To make a long story short I'm now on a steroid inhaler and
> > Claritin. Has anyone else had this reaction to moths?
>
>
>--
>*********************************************************
>William A. Woods Jr.
>Department of Biology
>University of Massachusetts Boston
>100 Morrissey Blvd                      Lab: 617-287-6642
>Boston, MA 02125                        Fax: 617-287-6650
>*********************************************************
>
>
>
>
>  ------------------------------------------------------------
>
>    For subscription and related information about LEPS-L visit:
>
>    http://www.peabody.yale.edu/other/lepsl
>



 
 ------------------------------------------------------------ 

   For subscription and related information about LEPS-L visit:

   http://www.peabody.yale.edu/other/lepsl