Successful "Cella" Beetle Collection
– Scott Blado, Waters Educator Intern
With the assistance of incredibly dedicated volunteers, we were able to collect enough “Cella” beetles (Galerucella spp.) for bio-control beetle rearing on 60 plus potted purple loosestrife plants at the Discovery Center.
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| Collecting beetles to rear. |
We placed
about 10 beetles on each plant, which will reproduce and theoretically result
in about 100 on each plant or over 6,000 beetles total! In mid-July, when the
beetles have reproduced and decimated their food source of purple loosestrife
plants, we will release them at purple loosestrife infestations throughout the
area.
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| Plants are netted while beetles reproduce. |
By the looks
of how well the beetles are doing and the declining density of purple
loosestrife plants at our collection site, we have confidence that this control
method is extremely effective!
We are
grateful for the help we received from our volunteers and encourage members of
the community to help us by keeping your eyes open for purple loosestrife and
other invasive species so we can keep our waters beautiful for future
generations!
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| Purple loosestrife is an invasive species taking over our shorelines - - Keep your eyes open, let us know if you spot a patch. |
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