TRACKING OBSERVATIONS OF BEETLES AND PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE DAMAGE
Description and Goals It has been more than 10 years since Galerucella spp. beetles were first introduced in Massachusetts to control the wetland invasive purple loosestrife. Biocontrol has successfully reduced purple loosestrife vigor and abundance at the majority of beetle release sites. As the abundance of purple loosestrife decreases due to beetle damage at these sites, some beetles move to find healthier food stocks at nearby purple loosestrife infestations. We are therefore initiating a beetle monitoring project that will provide valuable information on beetle dispersal from release sites and influence our planning of future releases.
Anyone who spends time in wetlands is encouraged to familiarize themselves with the beetles and report observations to WRP. For more information, see the resource links below. To request that a laminated Beetle Identification Card be sent to you, email Georgeann Keer.
Beetle Observation and Reporting Documents
Beetle Identification Card (PDF)
Instructions for reporting beetle observations via the Project's Google Map (PDF)
This proceedure is not to be used for reporting observations at WRP biocontrol project beetle release sites. See the Project Guidance Document for information on monitoring at release sites.
For more information on the Massachusetts Wetlands Restoration Program's Purple Loosestrife Biocontrol Project visit the Project Page.
|
