Some groups of organisms (families and sometimes lower classifications, like genus and species) have distinct characteristics that allow for a certain degree of identification using photographs, other groups- not so much. That is why there is a good, bad, and ugly side to using this method. Invasive flatworms in the family Geoplanidae, for example, can be colorfully patterned and easy to identify, while others are dull with a general body shape and similar characteristics. This can make them difficult to identify from a flat image. In a recent study, a misidentification resulted in a new species.

At an ornamental nursery in South Carolina, several dark brown flatworms were found while repotting a delivery of plants. Using photographs of the living specimens only, these flatworms were identified as Obama flatworms (Obama nungara). They are known as invasives in parts of Europe, with a few records in North America. Obama nungara are dark brown to almost black with a general flatworm body shape (flat with tapered ends) that corresponds to many other species.

At the same time the photos were taken, multiple live specimens were sent for molecular analysis. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and shutdowns, there were delays in the study. When the results were finally received, the flatworms were found not only to be a different species, but outside the genus Obama. After further phylogenetic analysis, it was determined that these were of a new species within the genus Amaga. The new species was aptly named ‘pseudobama’ to allude back to the initial misidentification.

Due to this new information and the close resemblance between A. pseudobama, O. nungara, and Geoplana arkalabamensis: This will complicate the use of photos received from citizen scientists. This will also create an obstacle understanding and sorting distribution data previously received from members of the public as much of it is based on photos . Currently, reports have placed A. pseudobama in North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. However, previous observations suggest a possible presence in other states. Currently, there are no official reports of A. pseudobama in Texas.

For identification of a potential target, please contact invasives@shsu.edu. Please provide a clear photograph. As mentioned above, due to the similar resemblance of native and invasive flatworm/slugs, the examination of a physical specimen by a specialist may be required for confirmation, in which case a specialist will contact you with further instructions.

Read the research: Justine et al., 2024

When Tasty Trees Turn Toxic

Many plants produce chemical compounds, such as caffeine, cyanide, or tannins, as a defense against herbivores. The smell of freshly cut grass is a common example of this. The effervescence in this example is produced by ‘green leaf volatiles,’ which is used for defense and communication. Excessive defoliation due to invasive herbivore outbreaks has recently been observed to affect the toxicity of the defensive compound produced by some plants, ultimately compromising the forest ecosystem. This adaptation was observed in a quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) forest suffering from an outbreak of invasive spongy moths (Lymantria dispar).

Aspen trees produce defensive compounds called salicinoids, which under normal conditions, prevents full defoliation by herbivores. However, Spongy moths are one of the most destructive forest defoliators in North America and do not seem slowed down by these defenses. They feed on leaves in the early summer and a healthy population can quickly defoliate extensive areas of forest. Other insects relying on aspen trees for food can be directly affected. One example is the native silk moth (Anthereae polyphemus), which feeds on aspen leaves from mid to last summer.

To evaluate the consequences of invasive moth defoliation on the chemical composition of aspen trees, leaves were collected once they grew back after the initial outbreak. As a control, leaves were collected from a healthy aspen forest located nearby. All were collected in late summer and all leaves were analyzed for levels of salicinoids. Silk moth caterpillars were also fed leaves from either the over-defoliated or control area to see how the defense compounds might influence growth rate.

After extensive defoliation by spongy moths, aspen trees produce leaves with an average salicinoid level 8.4 times higher than those of the control group. The higher toxicity level of the defensive compounds in the aspen leaves showed to have a particularly negative impact on the native silk moths. Consumption caused stunted growth and reduced survival rates in caterpillars. Similar findings have suggested higher levels of salicinoid can also be harmful to many other insects.

Plant adaptations such as this are not restricted to aspen trees. Other species of trees, such as oak, produce additional defense compounds after spongy moth defoliation, which could affect native herbivores. The environment is changing all the time. What will be next?

Read the research: Lindroth et al., 2024

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:

• October 16, 1pm CST- White-Nose Syndrome and Bats. REGISTER.
• December 18, 1pm CST- Canadian Biocontrol Experience: Past, Present and Future. REGISTER.

Each year, from October 24-31, a worldwide celebration takes place to observe the incredible role of bats in nature. Bat Week is designed to raise awareness about the need for bat conservation. Texas is home of the largest number of bats in the country, (32 out of 47 species), the largest bat colony in the world (Bracken Cave Preserve near San Antonio), and the largest urban bat colony (Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin). Unfortunately, many North American bats suffer from a devastating invasive fungus called white-nose syndrome.

Batweek.org is dedicated to raising awareness and providing engaging information for all ages. The website is crammed full of videos, family and individual activities, coloring pages, recipes, and many downloadable/printable PDFs. The following are just a few fun things you will find:

• Pull for bats- Invasive Species (under ‘Take Action’) - invasive plants that compete with the native vegetation that supports insect populations bats rely on to stay healthy
• Video: Bats vs. White-Nose Syndrome: What we know!
• Bat week in a box (under ‘Learn’) - a 6-day kit that supports bats and keeps kids engaged.
• Bats in your state (under ‘Why bats matter’) - explore bat profiles by location, diet, or conservation status.

October is Firewood Month! DontMoveFireWood.org is fueled up and ready to go. They have scheduled multiple webinars throughout the month and have prepared a 2024 Firewood Month Action Kit for tips and guidance. Moving wood long distances, such as across county lines, can potentially transport invasive species. This is often done unknowingly by campers traveling with firewood. Different states and counties have different rules, regulations, and quarantines in response to invasive pest concerns. Before traveling, consult this firewood map to learn more. The best approach is to “buy is where you burn it” or gather it on site (where permitted).

Firewood Month 2024 Webinars:

• October 10, 12pm EST- Firewood Movement Regulation, Outreach, and Impact REGISTER.
• October 10, 4pm EST- Successful Campground Outreach in Montana REGISTER.
• October 28, 1pm EST- Meet the Don’t Move Firewood Team! REGISTER.
• October 30, 1pm EST- Updates and New Findings in the World of Firewood Outreach REGISTER.

Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is a very invasive aquatic plant in North America that has spread to nearly every state. In this one-hour free webinar, an expert will share how utilizing the natural enemies of purple loosestrife, like leaf-eating beetles, has proven successful at managing and reducing this invasive species.

October 8, 1:00pm CDT, REGISTER

Invasive Spotlight:

Spotted-winged Drosophila
(Corbicula fluminea)

Spotted-winged drosophila (SWD, Drosophila suzukii) are closely related to D. melanogaster, or pomace flies, which are commonly used in genetics. Members of the genus Drosophila are commonly called fruit or vinegar flies and forage off over-ripened or rotten fruit. However, SWD are attached to fresh fruit before they are harvested. These flies are small (3-4mm), yellowish-brown with bright red eyes. The antennae are short and stubby. The males have a distinguishing dark spot along the front edge of each wing. Spotless males are possible but are rarely observed. The females pierce the fruit with a serrated ovipositor, which allows them to lay their eggs inside.

The larvae cause the most damage to the fruits by eating them from the inside out. They are reddish brown in color and cylindrical with two projections at the ends. They are 2-3 mm in length and pupation can occur within or on the outside of the fruit.

Several important crops can be a host for SWD. These plants include: Asian pears, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, cherries, currants, loganberries, orange jasmine, peaches, plums, raspberries, strawberries and wine grapes. SWD can typically be found anywhere the host plants are able to grow and have currently been reported in the following states: CA, FL, HI, IA, LA, ME, MI, MT, NB, NC, NY, OR, SC, TX (1 county), UT, VA, WA and WI.

For more information, see the TexasInvasives.org species page. If you believe you have seen any spotted-winged drosophila, please contact invasives@shsu.edu. SWD look very similar to other Drosophila species, including known natives. Therefore, expert examination by a specialist is needed for confirmation. 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.
 

Officials Take Drastic Measures to Fend Off Softball-Size Invasive Species in Waterways — Here's What Makes It So Dangerous
San Antonio River Authority perform regular maintenance in and around the River Walk to deal with debris and invasive species. Biologists have pulled thousands of apple snails (Pomacea maculate) out of the river. thecooldown.com

Public Attention on The Invasive Lionfish Helps Monitor Its Ecological Impact in Real Time
Analyzing the public perception of invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans) has demonstrated that it is possible to monitor the spread of invasive species by analyzing publicly available digital data, public interest, and social response to ecological issues. phys.org

Taming The Texas Takeover of Invasives: A Guide to Controlling Invasive Plants in Your Yard and Pasture
Practical steps for identifying and controlling invasive plants in your yard, emphasizing their harmful effects on native vegetation, wildlife, and biodiversity. It provides strategies for prevention, eradication, and the use of native alternatives to protect Central Texas ecosystems. sanmarcosrecord.com

Climate Change Means We May Have to Learn to Live with Invasive Species
This article challenges the traditional view of invasive species, suggesting how most introduced species pose little threat to ecosystems and may even offer ecological benefits in a changing climate. It calls for a more nuanced approach to conservation. theconversation.com

Moderate Levels of Exotic Species Invasions May Help Maintain Biodiversity, Study Suggests
A joint study reveals that climate change is a key driver of both exotic species invasions and the loss of native biodiversity. By analyzing plant species in the Yangtze River Valley, the research shows that exotic species thrive in warmer climates and predicts increased invasions in a warming world. phys.org

Scientists Develop Revolutionary Solution to Battle 'America's First Destructive Invasive Species' - Here's How It Works
Scientists proposed a new method to control invasive sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) populations by releasing sterile males in order significantly reduce their numbers when combined with lampricide treatment. thecooldown.com

Aquatic Invasive Species Are More Widespread in Wisconsin Than Previously Thought
Recent research reveals that invasive aquatic species are more widespread than previously thought, with many lakes hosting one or more species. While some invasions cause significant ecological harm, researchers suggest that long-term impacts may be less severe than anticipated. phys.org

Since July, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Have Found No More Invasive Zebra Mussels in The Colorado River
Despite collecting hundreds of additional samples since the first larvae was discovered, no additional evidence of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) has been found. While the lack of additional findings is positive, officials remain concerned and vigilant. vaildaily.com

Beal Botanical Garden to Remove Invasive Species
The 150-year-old botanical garden is adapting to the growing understanding of invasive species by implementing policies to prevent the introduction and spread of non-native plants. statenews.com

Cayuga Lake Has Relied on Herbicides to Control Aggressively Invasive Hydrilla: Is There a Downside to That Strategy?
To control the invasive hydrilla plant a series of herbicide applications were conducted. There were concerns about the use of fluridone, which can be linked to harmful "forever chemicals" (PFAS), sparking debate over the environmental and health risks associated with long-term herbicide use. fingerlakes1.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.