Officials warn Texans to check crawfish boil bags for giant apple snails (Pomacea maculata) and other invasive species, like giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta). The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) recently found apple snails in live crawfish shipments purchased for human consumption. To date, the only contaminated shipments found to contain invasive hitchhikers have originated from Louisiana. However, TPWD and AGFC are working closely with Louisiana state and agricultural agencies to develop strategies for mitigating the spread of invasives through this pathway. Some of these include public outreach and monitoring crawfish shipments.

Apple snails have not yet been reported in Arkansas, but they are present in many Texas water bodies. These large snails can grow to between 2-6inches and are larger than any Texas native snails. They lay bright pink egg masses above the water line. Each cluster of eggs can contain an average of 1500-2000 eggs.

If you suspected apple snails or any other invasive species are present in any crawfish purchases/shipments, please contact invasives@shsu.edu. Do not release any apple snails that are found. Do not discard on the ground, in a ditch, in a pond, or keep as a pet. Officials suggest disposing of any snails or invasive vegetation by double bagging in a garbage bag, sealing it closed with tape, and throwing it in the trash. If available, place bag with snail(s) in a freezer for at least 24 hours before disposal. Do not dump rinse water before treating and/or boiling it. It could contain small fragments of invasive vegetation. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling apple snails, as they can carry parasites. Officials say contaminated crawfish batches are safe for consumption if cooked properly/thoroughly once the invasive species are removed.

Read the Official Press Release from AGFC.

AI Detects Invasive Hornets

When it comes to invasive species, early detection and response is the most effective method to limit spread. Many response strategies depend on visual alerts from the public. However, to ensure reports submitted are not of misidentified native species, responsible agencies must manually validate thousands of images submitted every year. A new AI prototype is being established that can aid researchers by providing automated surveillance and identification.

VaspAI is an automated system that attracts hornets to a monitoring station and captures standardized images used to identify the species. A recent study tested a prototype programed to determine if the hornet detected was an invasive yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina, aka Asian hornet) or a native European hornet (Vespa crabro). VespAI uses a compact processor and detection system which remains dormant unless its sensors identify an insect within the size range of a hornet. Once a hornet is detected on the specialized bait station, an image is captured with an overhead camera and processed through the system. If an invasive hornet is detected, the monitor sends an automated image alert to the user, allowing them to confirm the identification.

Result of the study suggest VespAI shows promise as a robust early warning system to detect Asian hornets. The system was able to identify based on the algorithm with great accuracy. As this is a non-intrusive, non-kill method of detection, it also allows living invasive hornets to be caught and tracked back to a nest. This is the only effective way to destroy the nest in most cases. Besides visual reporting, hornet and invasive species detection relies on trapping. These methods can result in the death of many native species. Due to the encouraging results of the study, the research team hopes to deploy additional prototypes and continue collecting data.

Read the research: O’Shea-Wheller et al., 2024

Using Abominable Albizia Trees

Albizia (Falcataria moluccana) are large trees that have become invasive and problematic in forests and developed areas across many of the Pacific Islands. The trees were introduced in the early 1900s, when foresters were concerned about soil erosion, eroding slopes, and deforestation caused by cattle ranchers, logging, and the sugar cane industry. Albizia trees were selected for their fast-growing ability (10-15 feet per year) and to provide nutrients to crops. They quickly became the most planted trees during the tree establishment efforts conducted by Hawaii Territorial and State foresters during this time. By the mid 1900’s, approximately 140,000 individuals were planted throughout the Forest Reserve systems across the Hawaiian Islands. It wasn’t long before they spread throughout the islands.

Albizia are most problematic because of their brittle branches and shallow root systems. The trees are prone to ‘sudden limb drop’ when limbs break and fall with no apparent disturbance. Larger branches and sometimes full trees are known to break and fall during heavy rains or minor wind gusts. Since Albizia grow prevalently along roadsides and in neighborhoods, they can become a public safety hazard after a few years of growth. Fallen trees have destroyed power lines, fences, and houses.

Many organizations, such as The Albizia Assassins and The Albizia Project, are working hard to restore native species and remove albizia trees. There is even a new surfboard company in Wahiawa, Hawaii, that is turning the wood from these trees into eco-friendly surfboards. Others are using the wood for building material or other merchandise. These efforts are aimed not only at spreading the word about albizia and removing it safely, but at reducing the amount of removed wood that ends up in landfills or disposed in valleys.

Read more about albizia trees impacts and management: Hughes et al., 2011

Don’t Mess With Texas Citrus

TISI is offering FREE diagnostic services if you suspect your citrus has either the psyllid pest or the Citrus Greening pathogen, or you would like your citrus plants to be part of our screening survey.

The Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri) and the Citrus Greening pathogen (Candidatus liberibacter asiaticus) are threatening citrus in multiple Texas counties. By taking samples and monitoring the spread, it is easier to ensure that you and your neighbors are not affected. This pest and pathogen are extremely detrimental to Texas citrus, both economically and agriculturally. The presence of either can greatly affect citrus yield.

If you are interested in having your citrus trees checked or being part of the survey, please contact invasives@shsu.edu. If you are located within 200 miles of our headquarters, we can collect samples and/or provide traps and monitoring services. Otherwise, we will send you easy step-by-step instructions so you can do it yourself. Not only will we share the results and management strategies (where applicable), but you will become part of a multi-county monitoring survey that is striving to improve the health of Texas citrus!

Also Available: TISI offers educational workshops that highlight information about the Asian citrus psyllid, the pathogen Citrus Greening, and what you need to look out for in your own backyard. If you are interested in this, TISI will provide trapping materials, assist with management strategies, and more. Don’t waste another second.
Help us stop the spread!

This program is designed to provide the education needed for professionals and students who are managing or learning to manage invasive species. The courses include the most current invasive species identification, control, and management techniques, and how to comply with local and federal regulations.

Participants may register and enroll at any time, and will receive a certificate of invasive species management from NAISMA upon completion of the program.

All live webinars are open to the public. Recorded webinars are available to members of NAISMA.

NAISMA 2024 Webinar Schedule:

• May 15, 1pm CST- Invasive Lionfish. REGISTER.
• July 17, 1pm CST- Chondria tumulosa impacts to coral reefs in Hawaii. REGISTER.
• August 21, 1pm CST- Dutch Elm Disease and Resistance. REGISTER.
• September 18, 1pm CST- Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease. REGISTER.

The Texas Gulf Region Cooperative Weed Management Program (CWMA) will be tabling at the Texas General Land Office Coastal Roundup. The Roundup will also host about 50 other coastal and environmental organizations that will showcase the work they do. Booths will provide outreach opportunities and interactive displays that will allow the public to learn how they can help protect the Texas coast.

Saturday, June 1st, 10am-4pm
Great Lawn at the Water’s Edge, Corpus Christi, TX

Click Here for More Information.

This free online event contains fascinating discussions from experts that will cover topics such as the impact of invasive species on ecosystems, efforts in controlling them, and more. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or just curious, these talks are perfect for anyone interested in learning about environmental issues.

May 22, 2024 @ 7:00- 9:00 am CST

Click here for more information.
Register Here.

Invasive Spotlight:

Silver Carp
(Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)

Silver carp ( Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) are stout, heavy bodied fish that can weigh up to 60 pounds and measure up to approximately 3 feet in length. They have low-set, slightly downturned eyes, an upturned mouth (lacking barbels), and a keel along the belly that runs from the pelvic fins to the throat. These fish have tiny scales on the body but lack scales on the head. Silver carp reach reproductive maturity by age 2 and are capable of reproducing until age 10. Each female can lay up to 5 million eggs per year. Spawning time is dependent on temperature, but typically occurs from May to September. Eggs require enough river current to transport them downstream and a minimum spawning river length of 62 miles is needed for the eggs to survive.

Silver carp are voracious filter feeders that consume up to half their body weight in plankton and detritus. They are primarily found in large rivers where they outcompete native filter feeding fish, larval fish, and native mussels for resources, negatively impacting aquatic food webs and fish populations. Silver carp are also known for their ability to jump several feet out of the water when disturbed by noise from boats, sometimes jumping into boats and injuring boaters.

Silver carp looks very similar to the bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), which is also invasive. Bighead carp are grayer in color, have a keel that extends from the anal fins to pelvic fins, and a long, whip-like segment on the dorsal fin. Young silver carp can be similar in shade, but can be identified by their low-set eyes and the lack of the dorsal fin segment mentioned above.

Silver carp have been reported to be present in the Red River, which borders Texas and Oklahoma. For more information about silver carp, see the TexasInvasives.org information page. If you believe you have seen silver carp or evidence of their presence, please take a picture and report the location to invasives@shsu.edu. We will review your report and get back to you as swiftly as possible. Citizen Scientists are often our first line of defense. We appreciate your diligence and dedication.

Get Involved Today!!

The Texas Invasive Species Institute (TISI) and The Texas Research Institute for Environmental Studies (TRIES) has many surveys and projects underway. These facilities strive to provide yearly invasive species presence and absence data to the authorities. Pre-screening is one of the first lines of defense in early detection.

With the aid of the public and citizen scientist, we could cover a much wider area, and gather more substantial amounts of data. When it comes to protecting our environment, there is an opportunity for everyone! Together we can make a difference, one research project at a time.

See how you can get involved by reading the projects listed below or see all the available projects on the Texas Invasives website HERE.
 

Enjoy monthly videos about invasive species and/or people willing to teach us more about them. There are some amazing citizens and professionals around the world that poke, prod, chase, dive, and investigate everything they can about these alien invaders. Jump into this cinematic rabbit hole. You never know what new wonders you may discover.

2024 International Invasive Species and Climate Change Conference (IISCCC). NAISMA.
Welcome to the First IISCCC.
Welcome to Day Two.

The IISCCC conference featured topics including sessions on new arrivals and emerging invasion pathways, managing invasive species in a changing climate, practitioner success stories, and lessons learned from island ecosystems.

The Lake Dudes Videos. Texas Parks and Wildlife.

Giant salvinia is taking over Texas lakes and rivers. All it takes is one small piece left on your boat, trailer, or gear move it from one lake to another. Always CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY before leaving the lake.

Guard Your Green: Invasive Plant Pests Threaten Your Community’s Trees and Gardens
The USDA has dubbed April 2024 as Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month. Read all the simple ways you can help slow the spread of invasive pests. morningagclips.com

Don’t Get Caught with Any of These 10 Illegal Plants in Texas
These ten plants are listed in the Texas Department of Agriculture’s database as noxious or invasive because they are economically and environmentally destructive. knue.com

Study Shows Impacts of Invasive Species Transcend Ecosystem Boundaries
A recent study shows that the impact of invasive species extends beyond the ecosystems they invade and there are three mechanisms that are primarily responsible for this. phys.org

The Government Says to Destroy These Invasive, Fuzzy, Mud-Looking Masses. Here's Why.
The Department of Agriculture is requesting help from the public to be on the lookout for spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) and spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) egg cases. Muddy looking egg cases can be found on cars, trees, or other outdoor surfaces and should be smashed and scraped into a disposable bag. cbsnews.com

Melting Glaciers in A Warmer Climate Provide New Ground for Invasive Species
Several invasive plants and invertebrates have rapidly colonized the new ground exposed by melting glaciers in the sub-Antarctic Island of South Georgia. This has left few pristine areas for native species. sciencedaily.com

Bottlenecks And Beehives: How An Invasive Bee Colony Defied Genetic Expectations
The Asian honeybee (Apis cerana) is invasive to North Queensland where the current population overcame a genetic bottleneck event in which a single swarm grew into more than 10,000 colonies. sydney.edu.au

Umami-Rich Scrap Fish and Invasive Species Can Liven Up Vegetables, Says Gastrophysicist
A gastrophysicist used a mathematical equation to calculate the power of umami in a wide range of seafoods to demonstrate how easy it can be to enhance bland vegetables dishes for the sake of the climate. phys.org

Invasive Species Sound Off About Impending Ecosystem Changes
Researchers have discovered that the silent growth of invasive plants can affect the soundscape of an ecosystem, or the acoustic patterns of a landscape through space and time. sciencedaily.com

How Bad Are Invasive Plants for Birds? Research Suggests Large-Scale Removal May Not Have Intended Benefits
The prevailing opinion in land management is that invasive plants have no ecological value and can significantly reduce habitat quality for native wildlife. However, evidence suggests that some invasive plants may be of comparable value to native plants and their large-scale removal may not have the intended benefit. phys.org

Tiny Weevils Are Waging War on The Invasive Water Lettuce Plant Choking South Africa's Vaal River’
Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes L.) is a free-floating aquatic plant that can now be found on every continent except Antarctica. In many parts of the world, this plant has significant negative impacts. The water lettuce weevil (Neohydronomus affinis) is a powerful biocontrol agent that could help. theconversation.com

Invaders of Texas workshops train volunteers to detect and report invasive species as citizen scientists. Workshops, which are free, are designed to introduce participants to invasive species and the problems they cause, cover aspects of invasive species management, teach identification of local invasive plants, and train participants to report invasive plants using the TX Invaders mobile application. The workshop is 7 hours long (usually on a Saturday, but scheduling is arranged with each individual host group). The workshop satisfies Master Naturalist training requirements.

Sentinel Pest Network workshops serve to increase the awareness and early detection of a set of particularly important invasive species to help prevent their spread into Texas or their further spread within Texas. Participants learn to identify species such as the Emerald Ash Borer, Cactus Moth, Asian Longhorned Beetle, and other pests of regulatory significance, and to report them. The workshop is 3.5 hours long. The workshop satisfies Master Naturalist training requirements.