Tag Archives: invasive

The hungry, hungry beetle

July 23, 2026

To control the spread of invasive Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria L.) along pond and lake shorelines, a tiny and very hungry beetle has been recruited to help. The Galerucella Beetle (Galerucella), discovered by scientists for its exclusive taste for Purple Loosestrife leaves, is a tiny European beetle that has been used as a biological control since […]

Become a Beetle Parent and Control Invasive Purple Loosestrife

February 24, 2026

Have you seen this purple flower before? While Purple Loosestrife may look appealing, it is an invasive plant, causing ecological havoc. Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria L.) is a highly invasive plant that is often found along shorelines. The plant was introduced to the US in the 1800s as an ornamental species native to Europe and Asia. […]