The Everglades rarely benefit from invasive species. Yet the endangered snail kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis) has become unexpectedly dependent on the invasive apple snail (Pomacea maculata). The decline in snail populations may be creating unforeseen challenges to the native bird’s survival.

The snail kite is named for its highly specialized diet, which consists almost exclusively of freshwater apple snails. This dietary dependence makes the bird particularly vulnerable if its food source is threatened. After years of drought in the Everglades, Florida’s only native apple snails struggled to recover, forcing kites to rely heavily on the larger, more resilient invasive apple snails. The non-native snails provided kites with a temporary food source while the native apple snails began a slow recovery. Unlike native apple snails, invasive species can grow to the size of a baseball, lay hundreds of eggs at a time, reproduce year-round, and survive extended dry periods by burrowing into mud. However, prolonged dry seasons have begun to threaten the invasive snails as well, as they too depend on stable hydrological conditions. Water levels in the Everglades play a critical role in sustaining both snail and snail kite populations.

Extensive canal systems, levees, and drainage projects have altered natural water flow patterns, reducing water availability in critical areas during periods of drought. The snail kite is widely regarded as an indicator species for Everglades health. Water levels influence nearly every aspect of its life cycle, including foraging success, nesting location, and breeding decisions. During drought conditions, kites may relocate to wetter areas. However, alternative habitat options may become limited, and reproduction may decline significantly. The snail kite has experienced dramatic population fluctuations in Florida over the past two decades, dropping from 3,000 to 750 during a drought. With the arrival of invasive apple snails, the population rebounded to 3,000. Recent estimates suggest numbers have declined to approximately 2,000 as drought conditions intensify and snail populations decline.

Researchers continue to monitor nesting success and population trends to better understand the scale of the current decline and to determine why native apple snail populations have not recovered. Ongoing fieldwork, including nest surveys conducted by airboat across remote marshes, remains critical for informing conservation strategies.

Although the Everglades ecosystem persists, the loss of the snail kite would represent more than the disappearance of a single species. It would signal broader instability within the wetlands and the erosion of biodiversity.

Read the Article: An invasive species once saved this bird. WLRN Public Media.

Fly By Night

Every spring, billions of nocturnal moth species undergo a long-distance, multigenerational migration across North America. Parents venture north to lay eggs and die, leaving descendants to return to lower latitudes the following autumn. Among these nocturnal travelers are some of the world’s most invasive and destructive agricultural pests. The mechanisms that guide their navigation are poorly understood.

However, researchers believe many species may use a combination of geomagnetic orientation and visual cues to guide their migratory flight behavior. This theory was tested using an indoor experimental system to investigate the integration of Earth’s magnetic field and seasonal visual cues during orientation. The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) was selected as a model to represent general noctuid moth migration and navigation capabilities and is also one of the world’s most invasive crop pests.

The flight responses of tethered moths were measured within a virtual flight simulator. The simulator consisted of a PVC cylinder that incorporated a black triangle raised above a black horizon. When tethered within the simulator, moths were restrained but free to rotate and move. The simulator was placed in a 3D Helmholtz coil system, which produces a controlled magnetic field that researchers could manipulate using a computer. Researchers acknowledged that the setup was limiting compared to natural flight but believe it provided a controlled framework that replicated the geomagnetic and visual cues necessary for understanding how moths navigate in more realistic settings.

The researchers measured moth flight headings during five consecutive five-minute phases of tethered flight under varying experimental conditions. In each phase, they adjusted the alignment between the visual cue and the horizontal component of the magnetic field. This stepwise approach allowed them to track how moth orientation changed in response to shifts in the relationship between visual and magnetic cues.

Researchers found that migrating moths rely on both visual and geomagnetic cues to navigate, but visual cues tend to dominate. When the two cues were aligned, moths consistently oriented in the expected direction. Even when the magnetic field was reversed, moths initially continued to follow visual cues, demonstrating their stronger influence. However, prolonged conflict between cues eventually caused disorientation, suggesting moths need time to process competing information.

When visual cues were removed, flight stability and orientation broke down, highlighting their importance. Restoring alignment between visual and magnetic cues reestablished normal orientation behavior. These patterns were consistent in both wild-caught and lab-reared moths.

Overall, the study shows that successful migration depends on integrating multiple environmental cues, with visual input playing a critical role in maintaining accurate navigation.

Read the research: Ma et al., 2026

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 2026 Webinar Schedule:

• April 15, 1pm CST- Shifting the Momentum on Feral Swine: National Leadership and Lessons from Missouri’s Success. REGISTER.
• May 13, 1pm CST- Small Ants, Big Impacts: Managing Invasive Ant Species in North America. REGISTER.
• June 17, 1pm CST- Starry Trek: Mobilizing Volunteers for Early Detection of Aquatic Invasive Species. REGISTER.

Native Plant Society of Texas Workdays

The following link takes you to the Native Plant Society of Texas calendar, where you can find a wide variety of workdays, meetings, and volunteer opportunities scheduled throughout the month of April. These events are held at parks, nature centers, and other venues across Texas, offering numerous ways to get involved, learn about native plants, and support local conservation efforts. Don’t miss plant sales, festivals, and demonstrations that allow you to get in touch with your community.

Native Plant Society of Texas Calander: April, 2026

The following invasive species removal opportunities and environmental workdays will be held throughout Texas this coming month:

April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Western Heights Cemetery Volunteer Day — Various Locations
Hosted by The North Texas Master Naturalist. Join volunteers for prairie restoration, seasonal planting and seeding, removal of invasives, and assist in prairie restoration planning efforts.
Time: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Additional information: HERE.

April 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28: Friends of Oak Cliff Workday— Various Locations
Hosted by The North Texas Master Naturalist every Tuesday and Saturday. Come garden with native plants. Weed, prune, plant, and enjoy the horticulture of local parks. Cancellation will occur in the event of rain.
Time: 9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Additional information: HERE.

April 9: Blanco State Park Workday— Blanco
Work alongside a maintenance team to clear excess debris and remove invasive species from the Blanco River bank.
Time: 9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Additional information: HERE.

April 18: The Gardens Hullabloom Fest— College Station
Celebrate the magic of spring and the pollinators at The Gardens Hullabloom Fest! This joyful community event invites guests of all ages to explore the vibrant world of garden helpers through hands on activities and educational stations. Plus, don’t miss the evening highlight event— the butterfly release.
Time: 9:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Additional information: HERE.

April 18: Fort Worth Chapter- Westpoint Prairie BioBlitz— Fort Worth
Hosted by the Fort Worth Chapter of the Native Prairies Association of Texas. Volunteers will spend the morning using iNaturalist to collect and document valuable observation data for the Westpoint Prairie project.
Time: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Additional information: HERE.

April 22: Earth Day Clean-Up— Lakeway
Hosted by the Lakeway Activity Center. Volunteers will focus on removing invasive Nandina plants to help restore native habitats.
Time: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Additional information: HERE.

April 24-27: 2026 Texas City Nature Challenge— Major metropolitan areas across Texas (including San Antonio, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Houston)
Join residents in using the iNaturalist app to document and upload local biodiversity. Identifying invasive species is a key part of this global effort to help scientists track changes in ecosystems.
Time: 12:00 a.m.–12:00 a.m.
Additional information: HERE.

April 26: Fort Worth Chapter —Savage Cabbage Bash— Fort Worth
If you are interested in participating in a Bastard cabbage removal workday, please register to be on the mailing list for additional information (linked below). The Fort Worth Chapter of the Native Prairies Association of Texas aims to meet on or before April 26 after school (for those who have kids) or on a weekend.
Time: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Additional information: HERE.
 

Invasive Spotlight:

South American Palm Weevil
(Rhynchophorus palmarum)

The South American palm weevil (Rhynchophorus palmarum) is a species of snout beetle that measures 4–5 cm in length and approximately 1.4 cm wide. Adults have a hard black cuticle, a small head, and a long ventrally curved rostrum (snout). Males differ from females by a conspicuous patch of hairs on the rostrum. The larvae are tan with dark brown mouthparts and have no legs or eyes. They feed and grow exclusively within the living tree host. While the larvae prefer weakened or diseased trees, they are also capable of attacking healthy trees.

A single adult female may lay up to 693 eggs under laboratory conditions. Eggs hatch in 3–5 days, and the larval growth cycle is complete in 7–8 weeks. The prepupal stage lasts 4–17 days, during which each larva makes a cocoon using plant fibers. The pupal stage lasts 1–3 weeks. Adult males usually live 6–8 weeks, while adult females live 5–7 weeks. Adults are generally active during the day and appear to prefer the dry season.

Host plants suffer damage primarily from direct feeding by the larvae on fruits, stems, buds, and leaves. Coconut and oil palms can also contract red-ring disease when weevils transmit the nematode Bursaphelenchus cocophilus. The palm weevil can either be born with the nematode or acquire it by consuming diseased tree tissue. For more information on the nematode Bursaphelenchus cocophilus, click here.

Palms of all kinds are susceptible to South American palm weevil damage, including coconut palms, date trees, and sugarcane. Some adults have been observed feeding on fruits such as avocado, citrus, guava, mango, and papaya; however, this feeding is not considered economically significant. These invasive weevils have been reported on 35 different host trees across 12 families.

There are reports of the South American palm weevil in California and Texas. For more information regarding management and removal, see the texasinvasives.org info page HERE. If you believe you have seen South American palm weevil, please email a picture and the location it was found to invasives@shsu.edu.

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.

FIRESEA – Harnessing Invasive Seaweed to Combat Fire Blight | MARE | Polytechnic Institute of Leiria. Fam Foundation.

This project explores the bioactive potential of the invasive seaweed Asparagopsis armata to combat Erwinia amylovora, a bacterium that spreads disease in Rocha pear orchards in Portugal. The Rocha pear is a symbol that communities have grown to depends on. By developing a sustainable alternative to traditional pesticides, FIRESEA seeks to mitigate both agricultural and ecological challenges.

Identification and Management of Invasive Vine Species. SREF. Forest Health.

This webinar provides a comprehensive overview of invasive vine growth, ranging from trailing and creeping groundcovers to climbing and woody vines, and distinguishes between attached and unattached climbers. The session focuses on identification, ecology, and management of commonly found vines. Viewers will receive a training certificate upon completion of the webinar and the instruction guide.

Invasive Species in Agriculture: Pre-Season Preparation. Invasive Species Council of BC.

A clean start to the season is one of the most effective ways to prevent invasive species from establishing in your orchard, vineyard, or crop system. This video focuses on pre-season preparation and integrated pest management planning. Learn how to conduct property surveys, keep detailed records, and use those results to develop or refine an Integrated Pest Management plan. Keep footwear, tools, vehicles, and equipment sanitized, and be mindful when bringing in seed, soil, or fill into your operation.

Box Tree Care Announces Specialized Chinaberry Tree Removal Services to Combat Invasive Species Threat
Box Tree Care has launched specialized removal protocols to combat the spread of invasive Chinaberry trees (Melia azedarach) across the Greater Austin area. These services aim to protect native landscapes and improve properties by ensuring the permanent elimination of this aggressive species. registerguard.com

Texas Agridrone Services Helps Gonzales County Ranchers Fight Invasive Brush with Precision Drone Application
Texas Agridrone Services, LLC utilizes precision drone technology to deliver targeted aerial herbicide treatments, which provide effective invasive brush grass control to restore South Texas grazing lands. This specialized approach is helping ranchers in Gonzales County improve pasture productivity and reclaim hard-to-reach terrain. financialcontent.com

How to Make $70k a Year Catching Unwanted Fishing Species
Anglers can earn significant income by participating in "bounty fishing" programs designed to remove predatory species like the northern pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus oregonensis) or the brown trout (Salmo trutta). These conservation initiatives, primarily in the Pacific Northwest and Arizona, offer cash rewards per fish caught to protect native ecosystems. fieldandstream.com

New UBC Tool May Help Stop a Destructive Insect in Its Tracks
Researchers have developed a genomic DNA tool that identifies the geographic origin of invasive Asian spongy moths (Lymantria dispar asiatica) with incredible accuracy. This could prevent them from devastating North American forests and allow officials a better chance to stop infestations before the pests become established. news.ubc.ca

Rice Stink Bug Genetic Mapping Offers Clues to Curb Costly Crop Pest
A first-of-its-kind genetic study of rice stink bugs is helping researchers map regional variations to combat growing insecticide resistance, which causes millions in damages annually to Arkansas crops. The research aims to improve monitoring of both the native species population (Oebalus pugnax) and two invasive species populations (O. ypsilongriseus and O. insularis), while enhancing long-term management strategies. news.uark.edu

The Changing Chemistry of Invasive Death Cap Mushrooms
Researchers have discovered that the invasive death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides) is rapidly spreading across North America and evolving unique, previously unknown chemical metabolites since its arrival from Europe. This study aims to understand the fungus's changing toxicity and ecological impact, providing critical insights as related poisonings and deaths increase in the United States. is.wisc.edu

Australia’s Current Fire Ant Eradication Methods May Be Helping the Invader Spread
A new study warns that using large-scale "broadcast baiting" for red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) may backfire by killing off native competitors, creating an "ecological vacuum" that allows the invasive ants to recolonize faster. Researchers advocate for the use of other strategies to prevent invasive pest expansion. scu.edu

How Biological Invasions Are Silently Remodeling Ecosystems
Invasive species often function as ecosystem engineers that fundamentally alter habitats and physical processes. A new group of invasion scientists is addressing these processes by shifting focus to specific invasion events, allowing for a comprehensive mapping of both direct biodiversity loss and broader, systemic ecological transformation. theconversation.com

Mosquitoes May Hold the Key to Saving Endangered Australian Wildlife
Scientists are using DNA from mosquito blood meals as a "biological survey" to identify dozens of elusive and endangered species in Australia. This efficient method has detected twice as many mammal species as traditional camera traps. phys.org

Search And Rescue Responder Stunned After Hero Dog Uncovers 'Sea Vomit': 'I Was Blown Away'
A UK researcher has trained her Labrador to detect "sea vomit" (Didemnum vexillum), an invasive marine organism that smothers native species and threatens the shellfish industry. This pioneering approach demonstrates the potential of using specially trained dogs for early detection of destructive aquatic species. thecooldown.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.