Who's your Daddy?

Beetle homes

Beetle-daddy, that is! This summer, CLA volunteers became beetle-parents! In a program by the Wild Rivers Conservancy, volunteers learned about using beetles as a potential biological control agent for purple loosestrife. Purple loosestrife is a tall, purple-flowered aquatic invasive plant that is aggressive in blocking native plant growth. It is prevalent on both North and South Center. Galerucella beetles are a proven biocontrol option – replacing the treatment of invasive plants with chemicals. The beetles feed on the leaves and the new shoots, prohibiting growth and seed production. Each plant can produce two million seeds annually! The goal is not complete eradication, but management of the loosestrife growth so it can cohabitate with native plants.  

Beetle release

CLA volunteers were given training and supplies to become beetle parents. Each received plants, a covered container to prevent beetle escape, and a kiddie pool. This habitat mimicked a lake’s edge, where the beetles like to grow. The beetles were introduced early in the spring so they could reproduce by laying eggs as they fed on the purple loosestrife. Offspring were counted they were released.  

The beetles were released in two areas on North Center with very positive results! The project will continue in 2026. Watch our Facebook page for future opportunities to help grow your own beetles and control the spread of invasive species on the Center Lakes! For more information, visit https://wildriversconservancy.org/get-involved/biocontrolproject/