Leafy Spurge

Leafy spurge flea beetles

Aphthona spp.: The flea beetles are very effective insects that develop within the spurge root system. Experts predict that these insects will ultimately cause profound declines in spurge infestations. Aphthona larvae feed on root hairs and young roots, compromising the plant's ability to take up moisture and nutrients. Adults feed on the foliage in the summer. Research in the Dakotas, Montana, and Canada has documented greater than 90% declines in plant density.

A. nigriscutis: This insect seems to prefer dry habitats with coarse, well drained soils. Needle-and-thread or porcupine grasses (Stipa spp.) are considered good indicators of suitable sites. Tolerating drier sites than other Aphthonas, they are widely established.

A. flava: : Immature larvae feed on root hairs. As they get larger, they migrate to larger roots. Recommended areas for this beetle include south facing slopes that receive 18 to 20 in. of rain per year.

A. cyparissiae: This insect prefers warm open sunny areas but tolerates more moisture than nigriscutis. Soils with high sand content and green needle grass are indicators for favorable sites.

A. lacertosa/czwalinae: These two species are basically indistinguishable in the field. These black colored beetles are very effective. They are by far the most actively redistributed Aphthona species.

Single species are $50 per release. Standard mixes of all species and custom mixes of any combination are $150.

Leafy spurge stem borer

Oberea erythrocephala: This beetle feeds on stem and leaf tissue as an adult. The adults often girdle the stem causing shoot death. Developing larvae feeding in the stem also cause shoot death. Larval feeding in the crown and root tissues diminishes root reserves.
$125 per release.

Leafy spurge tip gall midge

Spurgia esulae: Larvae attack the growing shoot tips, preventing flowering and subsequent seed production. The attacked shoot eventually dies, causing roots to send up new shoots. Since this insect has multiple generations per year, the new shoots are also attacked. Recommended release sites have cool climates and dense spurge.
$50 per release.

Integrated Weed Control
4027 Bridger Canyon Road
Bozeman, MT 59715-8433

Toll Free: 1- 888-319-1632
FAX: 1-406-587-1989
E-mail: iwc@integratedweedcontrol.com

Photographs courtesy of Integrated Weed Control, USDA ARS, APHIS Bozeman Bio-control Station, and Agriculture Canada.

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Bozeman, Montana