Frequently Asked Questions About Insects - Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University

Frequently Asked Questions

Topic:	Biocontrol, weeds
Question:	I was very interested in seeing your Web site on biocontrol of weeds. I was looking at the section on biocontrol of alligatorweed (A. philoxeroides). We have a pond that was once infested with the weed, but the flea beetles quickly established and decimated the population. I was impressed because I have yet to see such an effective biocontrol agent. I was hoping you could tell me if these beetles are exotic or native to the Southeast. I see that there have been many released in Texas, but do they occur natively? This pond is only a few years old and I know no one has been releasing them here. Do they have alternate host plants?
Answer:	Agasicles was imported into the US in the early 1960's from South America. They seem to die out locally for some reason. There are resident populations in various areas that serve as nurseries for them to reestablish periodically. They can slow down reproduction in high temperatures and can be killed out in cold winters. There are no known alternative host plants. Actually, small ponds are more likely to be infested with water primrose. There is a native leaf beetle that can build up quickly and clear out that weed. You might have that weed instead of alligatorweed.
Related Link:	http://bc4weeds.tamu.edu/
Related Link:
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Response by:	John A. Jackman
Title:	Professor and Extension Specialist
** Most of the Related Links above also contain images.