Forest scientists have found an unexpected 'silver lining' to the insect outbreaks that have ravaged millions of trees across western North America. While insect outbreaks leave trees looking like matchsticks, a new University of Vermont-led study finds these hungry critters significantly reduce wildfire severity.

The findings contrast sharply with popular attitudes - and some U.S. forest policies - which connect tree-eating insects with increased wildfire activity.

"This is surprising," says UVM forest scientist Garrett Meigs, lead author of the study. "Forest fires and insect outbreaks have increased in recent decades, causing some people to link the two in their minds."

"Our findings clearly show that insect outbreaks can reduce burn severity," says Meigs, a researcher at UVM's Gund Institute and Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources. "So there is a connection, but just not the way most people thought."

The study, by scientists at UVM and Oregon State University, is published in the journal Environmental Research Letters.