Mechanical-vector

Guides

• Chrysolina hyperici

  Saint John's Wort Beetle, St. Johnswort Beetle, Klamathweed Beetle

  Chrysolina hyperici is a leaf-feeding chrysomelid beetle native to Europe and Asia, widely introduced as a biological control agent for invasive St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum). The species has been established in North America, Australia, and other regions where its host plant has become problematic. Populations are often transient and alone do not provide sustained weed suppression, though the beetle can mechanically vector a host-specific fungal pathogen that enhances control effectiveness.

  Chrysomelidaeleaf-beetlebiological-controlHypericum-perforatumSt.-John's-wortKlamath-weedinvasive-species-managementmechanical-vectorestivation

• Clogmia albipunctata

  Bathroom Moth Fly, Drain Fly, Filter Fly, Bathroom Moth Midge, Sewer Gnat, Sink Fly

  Clogmia albipunctata is a small, non-hematophagous moth fly in the family Psychodidae with worldwide distribution in tropical and temperate regions. Adults measure 2.2–2.5 mm in body length with distinctive broad, hairy wings marked by black spots near the middle and white spots along the edges. The species is strongly associated with human dwellings, particularly bathrooms and kitchens, where larvae develop in moist, decaying organic matter within drains. Adults are weak fliers that rarely move from walls and live approximately 12 days. Though historically reported as a myiasis agent, critical review of evidence finds no incontestable documentation of true parasitism; reported cases typically involve facultative infestation of pre-existing cavities with decaying material rather than tissue invasion.

  drain-flybathroom-pestsewage-treatmentdecomposernon-bitingcosmopolitanurban-pestmechanical-vector