Destructive Invasive Caught in Rice Bag

At Los Angeles International Airport, customs agents intercepted a bag of rice that contained eight invasive beetles known as khapra beetles. Agents destroyed the bag of rice because if the beetles were to get loose, it would cause an invasive species launch. These beetles reproduce rapidly, hide in cracks and are very small. By hiding in tiny places, khapra beetles can avoid insecticide sprays and improper spraying has led to a resistance in the beetles. In order to wipe out an infestation, expensive and extensive fumigation is required. Click here to read more and to see pictures of the khapra beetle.

Chinese Snail Found in Owasco Lake

A Chinese mystery snail has been found in Owasco Lake in New York. This snail is an invasive species that lives on algae and is threatening to destroy the lake's ecosystem. Native to Asia, the Chinese snail is olive green and lives in a golf ball size shell. The snail was first introduced to the United States as a potential food supply and has now spread to the Great Lakes and both coasts. Click here to read more.

In search of kudzu..travel tales in Georgia and Florida

Read a blog account by AstroDimers Sam Smiley and Lisa Lunskaya Gordon about their three day road trip beginning in Panama City Florida January 3, 2011 and ending in Tifton, at the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health, University of Georgia on January 6, 2011. Click here.

Information on Invasive Phragmites

1. Drs. Dan Ward and Colette Jacono published an article on P. australis with a description and history of the native and non-native strains in the Spring 2009 issue of Wildland Weeds. Issues are posted on the SE-EPPC website. You can also access a pdf copy of the Spring Issue directly.
2. Jil Swearingen and Kristin Saltonstall published 'Phragmites Field Guide: Distinguishing Native and Exotic Forms of Common Reed (Phragmites australis) in the United States in May 19, 2010. Click here for PDF.
3. 'A Guide to the Control and Management of Invasive Phragmites' put together by Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Click here for PDF.

Invasives Put Desert at Risk

Invasive species have made their way into the Arizona desert and scientists say these changes could put the desert at risk. Buffelgrass, in particular, is an invasive that has the most imminent threat to the desert. The flammable grass spreads quickly and competes with native vegetation for survival. With increasing temperatures in the desert this could make the situation worse. Click here to read more.

Mt. Lebanon Tackles Invasive Species

Over the past several years, invasive species have been intruding on native species at Mt. Lebanon. Members of the Mt. Lebanon Nature Conservancy are working to eliminate this problem. They have formed an Invasive Species Initiative in which volunteers get together once a month to weed out invasives. The group recently received funding for 2011 to eradicate these predators at Mt. Lebanon. Click here to read more on their efforts.

Invasivore?

Invasivore is a new term used today which means one that eats invasive plant and animal species. This is one way of getting rid of the rapidly growing, unwanted predators. In Florida, chefs serve invasive lionfish in local restaurants. This invasive species is taking over the Caribbean and harming marine life. Invasive plants are also being hunted and eaten as a way to stop their invasion. Click here to read more.