Weed-biocontrol
Guides
Aconophora compressa
lantana bug, lantana treehopper, lantana stemsucking treehopper, lantana sap-sucking bug
Aconophora compressa is a treehopper (family Membracidae) native to Mexico, Central America, and Colombia. It was introduced to Australia in 1995 as a biological control agent for the invasive weed Lantana camara. The species is brown, up to 8 mm long, with a thorn-shaped body and produces copious honeydew. It has been documented to attack non-target plants, particularly fiddlewood (Citharexylum spinosum) in Australia, leading to its discontinuation as a biocontrol agent after 2001. It was also rejected for use in South Africa due to unacceptable risks to indigenous Lippia species.
treehopperbiological-controlinvasive-species-managementMembracidaephloem-feedermaternal-caregregarioushoneydew-producernon-target-effectsLantana-camaraMexicoAustraliaSouth-AfricaVerbenaceaeCitharexylum-spinosumLippiaAloysia-citrodorathermal-tolerancestem-suckingsap-feedingegg-guardinginstarsnymphal-developmentweed-biocontrolhost-range-expansionecological-risk-assessmentbiosecurityWalker-1851AconophoriniMembracinaeHemipteraAuchenorrhynchaCicadomorphaMembracoideaAphthona cyparissiae
brown dot leafy spurge flea beetle
Aphthona cyparissiae is a small leaf beetle native to Europe, introduced to North America as a biological control agent for leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula), a noxious invasive weed. Adults feed on leaves and flowers, while larvae feed on roots and root hairs, with heavy infestations capable of killing host plants. The species was first released in Wyoming in 1986 and has since established populations across much of the northern United States and Canada. It is a spurge specialist, preferring cypress spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias) in its native range.
Bangasternus
Bangasternus is a genus of true weevils (Curculionidae) comprising small, dark-colored species used as biological control agents against invasive knapweeds and starthistles (Centaurea spp.). Adults are typically 4 millimeters long, dark gray, and hairy. The genus is notable for its host specificity to Centaurea species, with larvae developing within flower heads where they consume developing seeds. Several species have been introduced to North America for biocontrol purposes, including B. fausti and B. orientalis.
Bangasternus orientalis
yellow starthistle bud weevil
Bangasternus orientalis is a small true weevil (Curculionidae) used as a biological control agent against the invasive weed yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis). Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean, it was introduced to the United States in 1985 and has become established throughout the western United States. Adults feed on leaves and flower buds, while larvae develop within flower heads and consume developing seeds, destroying 50-60% of seeds in infested heads.
Calophasia lunula
Toadflax Brocade Moth, Toadflax Moth
Calophasia lunula is a noctuid moth native to the Palearctic region, introduced to North America as a biological control agent for invasive toadflax species. The moth's larvae are specialized feeders on yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) and Dalmatian toadflax (Linaria genistifolia ssp. dalmatica), causing significant defoliation that reduces seed production. Adults feed on nectar without causing plant damage. The species has established populations in parts of Canada and the United States following intentional introductions beginning in the early 1960s.
Cystiphora schmidti
rush skeletonweed gall midge, Rush Skeletonweed Gall
Cystiphora schmidti is a gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) that induces small circular to ovoid raised galls on Chondrilla species, particularly Chondrilla juncea (rush skeletonweed). Native to the eastern Mediterranean region from Greece to Iran, it has been introduced to Australia as a biological control agent against this invasive weed. The species completes all immature stages inside plant galls in 24–44 days, supporting 6–7 generations annually in favorable climates. It exhibits strict host specificity to the genus Chondrilla and is heavily parasitised by Eulophid wasps in its native range.
Dichrorampha aeratana
Obscure Drill
Dichrorampha aeratana is a small tortricid moth native to Europe, first described in 1915. The species has gained scientific attention as a potential biological control agent for the invasive weed oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) in North America and Australia. Adults are active in spring, with larvae feeding internally on host plant roots and rhizomes. The moth exhibits strong host specificity, with larval survival negatively associated with increasing ploidy levels in host plants.
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.
Gastrophysa
dock leaf beetles, knotweed leaf beetles
Gastrophysa is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, distinguished by pronounced physogastrism in females—swollen, membranous abdomens resulting from enlarged reproductive organs. The genus includes approximately nine described species, with G. viridula and G. polygoni being the most extensively studied. Members are oligophagous specialists on Polygonaceae, serving as both beneficial biological control agents for weeds and occasional minor pests of cultivated buckwheat. Several species have been introduced to North America and other regions, where they have established widespread populations.
Gratiana boliviana
Tropical Soda Apple Leaf Beetle, TSA tortoise beetle
Gratiana boliviana is a tortoise beetle (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) native to South America that was introduced to Florida in 2003 as the first biological control agent against tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum), a prickly invasive shrub. The beetle is highly host-specific and has established successfully in Florida, reducing weed density and fruit production through defoliation. Over 250,000 beetles were released across Florida from 2003 to 2011. The beetle cannot complete development on native North American Solanum species or crop plants like eggplant, making it a relatively safe biocontrol choice. Cold sensitivity limits its northward establishment potential.
Hypocrita
Hypocrita is a genus of tiger moths established by Jacob Hübner in 1807. The genus belongs to the family Erebidae (formerly Arctiidae) and contains multiple species distributed across various regions. Some species have been reclassified over time, such as Hypocrita phoenicides. The genus includes the cinnabar moth (Hypocrita jacobaeae), a well-known biological control agent for tansy ragwort.
Lema cyanella
Californian Thistle Leaf Beetle
Lema cyanella is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae investigated as a biological control agent for Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense). In Europe, it has been observed breeding primarily on C. arvense, though laboratory studies demonstrate broader feeding and reproductive capacity on Cirsium, Carduus, and Silybum genera. The species was introduced to New Zealand in 1981 and evaluated for release in North America. Females lay an average of 1564 eggs, with development from egg to adult taking approximately 17.6 days under controlled temperature conditions.
Microlarinus
puncturevine seed weevils
Microlarinus is a genus of weevils (Curculionidae) comprising at least two species, M. lareynii and M. lypriformis, specialized on puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris). Both species have been introduced to North America as classical biological control agents. M. lareynii attacks seeds while M. lypriformis feeds on stems. Despite their potential, establishment and impact have been variable due to climatic and biological mismatches with host populations.
Neochetina eichhorniae
Mottled Waterhyacinth Weevil, Mottled Water Hyacinth Weevil
Neochetina eichhorniae is a host-specific weevil native to Argentina and neighboring South American regions. It was introduced to Florida in 1972 as a biological control agent for the invasive aquatic weed water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and has since been established in more than three dozen countries worldwide. Adults feed on leaves and petioles, producing characteristic feeding scars, while larvae tunnel into petioles and the plant crown. The species has demonstrated substantial suppression of water hyacinth growth, reducing biomass, flower production, and water surface coverage.
Ophiomyia camarae
Herring-bone Leafminer, Herringbone Leaf-miner
Ophiomyia camarae is a small leaf-mining fly (1.5–2 mm) native to the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Florida. It has been introduced to multiple countries outside the Americas as a biological control agent for the invasive weed Lantana camara. The species exhibits strong host specificity, with larvae mining the leaves of Lantana species. Adults are distinguished by their shiny black bodies and red compound eyes.
Psylliodes chalcomera
flea beetle
Psylliodes chalcomera is a flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, native to Europe and investigated as a biological control agent for invasive musk thistle (Carduus nutans). Field trials in Italy demonstrated high host specificity, with no feeding or oviposition on Cirsium species or economic crops under free-choice conditions. The species has been evaluated for introduction to North America to manage musk thistle infestations.
Schizocerella pilicornis
purslane sawfly, portulaca sawfly
Schizocerella pilicornis is a sawfly in the family Argidae whose larvae are internal leaf miners of Common Purslane (Portulaca oleracea). The species was described in 1868 and is notable as the only Argidae species worldwide with endophagous larvae. Adults are small wasp-like insects with distinctive sexual dimorphism: males possess forked terminal antennal segments, while females have characteristic black markings on the thorax. The species may be adventive in North America, with its native range possibly centered in South America.