Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is an invasive aquatic plant known to form dense mats that clog waterways and intake pipelines, deplete oxygen levels, and reduce light penetration. Despite being a problematic invasive, water hyacinth has been shown to remove pollutants, agricultural runoff, and heavy metals from water. It was also found to absorb microplastics. However, researchers could not explain how the plant managed this while remaining healthy—until now.

To answer these questions, a research team placed cultivated water hyacinths into the following test groups: one clean waterbody (control group) and seven ‘hotspot’ groups. A hot spot is water exposed to a concentration of 50 milligrams per liter of microplastic particles, designed to mimic heavily polluted water. Within 48 hours, water hyacinth effectively removed 55.3-68.8% of polystyrene microplastic particles primarily via root adsorption. After five days, the plants removed about 78% of the pollution.

Imaging of the root system revealed large root caps with an impressive total surface area (150,000mm2), which served as the principal storage site for the absorbed microplastics- keeping it predominantly in the root area. These plants were also found to have a unique vascular structure. It seems, microplastics that move beyond the lateral roots and up to the lower stem, do so through a ‘vascular ring’ that prevents the translocation of microplastics further into aerial tissue, such as leaves. The study tracked the plants’ health for 14 days after placing them in hotspot systems and saw no significant harm from microplastic exposure. No plastic was detected in the leaves of any plants during this study.

Environmental contaminants on the rise, posing a risk to ecosystem heath, humans, and animals. Some researchers believe better understanding how hyacinth filter plastic and pollutants while maintaining a healthy growth cycle could provide a valuable Insight. Others believe the plastic-free leaf tops are a sustainable source of biogas or livestock feed. Why can’t they both be right?

Read the Research: Yin et al., 2025

This Island Visitor Seems Froggy

Biologists from The University of Texas at Arlington are the first to discover an invasive frog, called the greenhouse frog (Eleutherodactylus planirostris), in the Marshall Islands. This cluster of Pacific islands is composed of five main volcanic islands, 29 coral atolls, and over 1,200 smaller islands.

Greenhouse frogs are tiny, with a snout-vent length (SVL) of 16–32 mm, and are originally from the Caribbean. They are typically brown with reddish or orange stripes or mottling. Unlike indigenous treefrogs on the islands, greenhouse frogs have indistinct toe pads (disks) and reddish eyes. These frogs are known for their ability to expand their habitat by hitching a ride in soil, potted plants, and agricultural materials.

While conducting the study on the Marshall Islands, greenhouse frogs were predominantly discovered on one of the largest islands—Laura Island, home to the main airport. However, they were also found on some of the smaller islands.

Island ecosystems can be particularly vulnerable. For this reason, a better understanding of invasive species and their impacts can help mitigate economic and environmental disruption.

Read the Article: my.uta.edu

2025 EAB Awareness Week

Emerald ash borer (EAB) continues to pose one of the greatest threats to tree health in North America, even in Texas! Show your support and love for your state: Slow the spread of invasive insects- keep firewood local. Want to do more? Join us for:

2025 Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week
May 18-24th

Kick the week off with an awesome Webinar Series!
Three Days- Four Webinars

• May 19, 1pm CST- Impacts and Management of Emerald Ash Borer. REGISTER.
• May 19, 3pm CST - Don’t Move Firewood Social Media Message Frame Testing: Emotional versus Objective Language. REGISTER.
• May 20, 1pm CST - Roots of Resilience: Fighting the EAB Impact on Wetlands. REGISTER.
• May 22, 1pm CST - The Impacts of EAB and the Efforts to Preserve Black Ash. REGISTER.

Also, check out the EAB Outreach and Awareness material. Don’t Move Firewood has provided everything you need for Awareness Week—from learning what signs and symptoms indicate EAB presence to downloadable resources for spreading awareness. You'll find videos, printables, articles, graphics, and more.

EAB isn’t waiting— why should you?

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 strives 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 2025 Webinar Schedule:

• May 21, 1pm CST- Beyond Buckthorn: Innovative Strategies for Invasive Control and Habitat Restoration. REGISTER.
• June 18, 1pm CST- Invasive Freshwater Jellyfish (Craspedacusta sowerbii) in North American lakes. REGISTER.

Go Goats! Go!

The City of Dallas is utilizing goats as an environmentally friendly way to stop the spread of an invasive plant species at the Bachman Greenbelt. During the month of April, 280 goats will graze on 16 acres of land along Northwest Highway in Dallas. The goats will be enclosed by an electric fence that is moved daily over the course of approximately 11 days.

During this time, the goats will be left to graze naturally across different sections of land, watched over by a shepherd to ensure their safety. While grazing, invasive privet will be consumed and removed along the way. Goats are being used more and more often as an alternative method for removing invasive plant species.

Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) have been detected in Lake Nasworthy, near San Angelo, TX. The lake has been designated as “infested” by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).

TPWD detected the presence of zebra mussel larvae in plankton and water samples taken from multiple areas of the lake between mid-March and November. Adult mussels were also found during shoreline inspections. Based on the accumulation of these results, TPWD flagged the lake as infested, indication that a reproductive population has been established. (Official press release)

Lake Nasworthy brings the count of infested Texas lakes to 38, with additional water bodies designated as “positive” for zebra mussels (these lakes are under observation and not yet considered fully “infested”). Authorities would like to remind the public to Clean, Drain, Dry to help reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species while enjoying recreational activities.

Agriculture specialists with U.S. Customs and Border Protection discovered a rare pest during an intensive agricultural inspection of a shipment of palm leaves that arrived at the Veterans International Bridge import lot at the Brownsville port of entry in Texas. A live beetle was found on the leaves and identified as the corn rootworm (Diabrotica sexmaculata).

As an agricultural pest, this beetle could become a problematic invasive species if it were to be introduced. Therefore, the package was returned to the original sender in Mexico. CBP Report.

Invasive Spotlight:

Armored Catfish
(Hypostomus plecostomus, Pterygoplichthys spp.)

Several species of armored catfishes in the family Loricariidae are now established in Texas waterways, bayous, and canals. Loricariids can range in size from 3 inches to over 3 feet, depending on environmental conditions. Armored catfish (Hypostomus plecostomus, Pterygoplichthys spp.), also known as plecos or algae-eaters, have a noticeable sucker located on the lower (ventral) surface of the head. This flattened ventral surface allows the fish to attach to most substrates. They are algivorous (algae-eaters) and mostly nocturnal. The adipose fin, located between the dorsal fin and the tail, has a single spine, and the pectoral fins have many thick, toothed spines.

Loricariids are cavity builders and dig burrows into banks. Females can lay more than 300 eggs in a nest. Males are known to guard the nest and eggs for 4 to 20 days, depending on the species.

Like other invasive species, armored catfish can reduce the abundance of local indigenous species by outcompeting them for resources or through predation. They are hardy fish that can withstand a wide range of ecological conditions. They can also gulp air and survive out of water for more than 30 hours.

Plecos are common in the aquarium trade. Unfortunately, they have been released into Texas waterways by aquarium owners. For more information, view the TexasInvasives info page HERE. If you believe you have identified an armored catfish, please take a picture and REPORT IT to invasive@shsu.edu. Submissions are appreciated, and we truly value your efforts and support.

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.

Invasive Mussels and Heidi Sedivy: SciShow Talk Show # 16. SciShow.

During this episode of SciShow, the guest (Heidi Sedivy) talks about invasive mussels, such as quagga mussels (Dreissena bugensis), why they are problematic, and how they affect Montana native mussels.

Getting Out of the Dark about Global Biodiversity. Trent University.

Researchers from the Trent School of the Environment are helping to illuminate global biodiversity loss and explain why some species may be missing from local ecosystems. Plant species that disappear from ecosystems form the basis of a concept known as “dark diversity.” This research focuses on uncovering how much is missing and how we can conserve the species that have silently slipped away.

Asian Longhorned Tick Study. SUNUPTV.

SUNUP looks at an Oklahoma State University research study that needs help from the public to combat the Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis). If you are interested in taking part in this study, please fill out this interest form.

The Woodlands Tackles Tree Loss Due to Invasive Species and Climate Patterns
The Woodlands Township investigates new funding opportunities and sustainability efforts for its community treescapes as severe weather and invasive species infestations create increased challenges. communityimpact.com

Slowing The Spread: Researchers Offer Recommendations for Preventing Invasive Carp
New research from South Dakota State University examines how different states are stopping the spread of invasive carp, aka Asian carp- a group of 4 problematic invasive fishes. phys.org

Highway Department Explores Use of Biochar in Invasive Species Management
The Highway Department is proposing a project that will allow invasive plant species to be disposed safely and converted into a type of ‘super charged’ charcoal, called biochar. wtip.org

Termite Stowaways: Study Reveals Boats as Perfect Vessels for Global Termite Spread
Private boats may play a big role in invasive termite dispersal. Boats provide the ideal environment for unnoticed travel, carrying them long distances from their natural habitat. news.ufl.edu

Master Gardeners: Common Invasive Species
Master Gardeners discuss three invasives commonly seen in Texas neighborhoods and beautiful native alternative. oaoa.com

Invasive Plants Take the Spotlight in a New Exhibit
The Hall of Botany at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh opened a new exhibit, called “Uprooted: Plants Out of Place”, that looks at the histories and language around invasive plants and how they impact ecosystems. alleghenyfront.org

These Large, Snake-Like Fish Are Invading the United States—And Authorities Want You to Kill Them
With fishing season underway, officials are asking anglers to keep an eye out for northern snakehead (Channa argus). This snake-like fish has been reported along the east coast- please kill and report any caught. smithsonianmag.com

Introduced Trees Are Becoming More Common in the Eastern United States, While Native Diversity Declines
Measurements were used to show how the rate at which introduced species are spreading has increased over the last two decades. Data in a recent study also showed that native tree diversity in areas where non-native species have been introduced is on the decline. sciencedaily.com

Australians Want Nature Protected. These 3 Environmental Problems Should Be Top of the Next Government’s To-Do List
Australia is home to many species found nowhere else, which makes its environment especially vulnerable to introduced animals, diseases, and weeds. As a result, there are three key environmental problems that should be addressed. theconversation.com

Non‐native species found to have higher consumption rates than their native counterparts
An investigation showed a difference in resource use efficiency between non-native and native species. This could be the reason for behind the invasive species impact on diversity. phys.org

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.