Post-release-evolution

Guides

• Diorhabda carinulata

  Northern Tamarisk Beetle, Saltcedar Beetle, Saltcedar Leaf Beetle, Tamarisk Leaf Beetle

  Diorhabda carinulata is a leaf beetle native to Central Asia, introduced to North America as a classical biological control agent for invasive saltcedar (Tamarix spp.). Adults and larvae feed exclusively on Tamarix foliage, causing defoliation that can reduce tamarisk biomass by 75–85% over multiple years. The species has established successfully in the western United States, with populations evolving shorter critical day lengths for diapause induction that enable range expansion. Its introduction has generated conservation concerns due to impacts on nesting habitat for the federally endangered southwestern willow flycatcher.

  biological-controlinvasive-species-managementChrysomelidaeTamarixsaltcedarleaf-beetleherbivore-induced-plant-volatilesaggregation-pheromonediapause-evolutionconservation-conflictclassical-biological-controlweed-biocontrolriparian-ecologypost-release-evolutionhost-specificity