ScienceDaily: Invasive Species News

Invasive species: 'Away-field advantage' weaker than ecologists thought

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:23:23 EDT

For decades, ecologists have assumed the worst invasive species—such as brown tree snakes and kudzu—have an “away-field advantage.” They succeed because they do better in their new territories than they do at home. A new study reveals that this fundamental assumption is not nearly as common as people might think.

Asian lady beetles use biological weapons against their European relatives

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:25:25 EDT

Once introduced for biological pest control, Asian lady beetle populations have been increasing uncontrollably. Scientists have now found the reason for the animal's success. Its body fluid contains microsporidia, fungus-like protozoa that parasitize body cells and can cause immense harm to their host. The Asian lady beetle is obviously resistant to these parasites. However, transferred to native species, microsporidia can be lethal.

Invasive 'crazy ants' are displacing fire ants in areas throughout southeastern U.S.

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:39:39 EDT

Invasive "crazy ants" are displacing fire ants in areas across the southeastern United States, according to researchers at The University of Texas at Austin. It's the latest in a history of ant invasions from the southern hemisphere and may prove to have dramatic effects on the ecosystem of the region.

Global warming trends contribute to spread of West Nile virus to new regions in Europe

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:52:52 EDT

Global warming trends have a significant influence on the spread of West Nile Virus to new regions in Europe and neighboring countries, where the disease wasn’t present before, according to a new study. The study found that rising temperatures have a more considerable contribution than humidity, to the spread of the disease, while the effect of rain was inconclusive.

Land management options outlined to address cheatgrass invasion

Mon, 13 May 2013 08:33:33 EDT

A new study suggests that overgrazing and other factors increase the severity of cheatgrass invasion in sagebrush steppe, one of North America's most endangered ecosystems. Researchers said one of the most effective restoration approaches would be to minimize the cumulative impact of grazing, by better managing the timing, frequency of grazing and number of animals.

Global highways of invasive marine species calculated

Sun, 05 May 2013 07:37:37 EDT

New research has mapped the most detailed forecast to date for importing potentially harmful invasive species with the ballast water of cargo ships.

Boom in jellyfish: Overfishing called into question

Fri, 03 May 2013 09:47:47 EDT

Will we soon be forced to eat jellyfish? Since the beginning of the 2000s, these gelatinous creatures have invaded many of the world's seas, like the Japan Sea, the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, etc. Is it a cyclic phenomenon, caused by changes in marine currents or even global warming? Until now, the causes remained unknown. A new study exposes overfishing as the main factor.

Midwestern frogs decline, mammal populations altered by invasive plant, studies reveal

Wed, 01 May 2013 14:51:51 EDT

Researchers have discovered a new culprit contributing to amphibian decline and altered mammal distribution throughout the Midwest region -- the invasive plant European buckthorn.

'Dirty dozen' invasive species threaten UK

Wed, 01 May 2013 09:18:18 EDT

Parts of the UK are at greater risk of invasion by non-native aquatic species than previously thought, according to new research. The first to include human factors in models used to predict where invasive species will arrive and spread, the study shows the Thames, Anglian and Humber river basins are most vulnerable.

In the Northeast, forests with entirely native flora are not the norm

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:21:21 EDT

Two-thirds of all forest inventory plots in the Northeast and Midwestern United States contain at least one non-native plant species, a new US Forest Service study found. The study across two dozen states from North Dakota to Maine can help land managers pinpoint areas on the landscape where invasive plants might take root.

Ant family tree constructed: Confirms date of evolutionary origin, underscores importance of Neotropics

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:12:12 EDT

Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the higher species numbers in the tropics, but these hypotheses have never been tested for the ants, which are one of the most ecologically and numerically dominant groups of animals on the planet. New research is helping answer these questions.

Weeding out ineffective biocontrol agents

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:44:44 EDT

Biocontrol programs use an invasive plant's natural enemies (insects and pathogens) to reduce its population. Most biocontrol programs combine many different enemies. Some combinations of enemy species can actually end up competing or interfering with each other, instead of attacking the weed.

Invasive kudzu bugs may pose greater threat than previously thought

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:49:49 EDT

The invasive kudzu bug has the potential to be a major agricultural pest, causing significant damage to economically important soybean crops. Conventional wisdom has held that the insect pests will be limited to areas in the southern United States, but new research shows that they may be able to expand into other parts of the United States.

The Rosette Agent: Monitoring a new threat in Britain's rivers

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:55:55 EDT

There are more than four million anglers in the UK and the sport generates an estimated £3.5 billion for the economy. But research has uncovered a new threat that could put many of the native fish species UK anglers rely on at risk.

First expansion of 'sea potato' seaweed into New England

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 18:45:45 EDT

There's a new seaweed in town, a brown, bulbous balloon befitting the nickname "sea potato." Its New England debut was spotted by two plant biology graduate students; now researchers are keeping a close eye on Colpomenia peregrina's progress to determine whether there is cause for alarm.

Invasive crabs help Cape Cod marshes

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 12:20:20 EDT

Ecologists are wary of non-native species, but along the shores of Cape Cod where grass-eating crabs have been running amok and destroying the marsh, an invasion of predatory green crabs has helped turn back the tide in favor of the grass.

Tiny grazers play key role in marine ecosystem health

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:01:01 EDT

Tiny sea creatures no bigger than a thumbtack are being credited for playing a key role in helping provide healthy habitats for many kinds of seafood, according to a new study. The little crustacean "grazers," some resembling tiny shrimp, are critical in protecting seagrasses from overgrowth by algae, helping keep these aquatic havens healthy for native and economically important species. Crustaceans are tiny to very large shelled animals that include crab, shrimp, and lobster.

Mountain pine beetle genome decoded

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 09:36:36 EDT

The genome of the mountain pine beetle -- the insect that has devastated British Columbia's lodgepole pine forests -- has now been decoded.

Regulation recommendations so that biofuel plants don’t become weeds

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 13:32:32 EDT

In the United States, only species listed on state or federal noxious weed lists are regulated, and those lists are often biased toward species that affect agricultural crops. Conversely, invasive plant council lists include species that affect natural landscapes but have no regulatory clout. After comparing the lists and how they are created, researchers have developed some suggestions on how to improve the regulation of all invasive plant species, including new biofuels plants.

Hope for Galapagos wildlife threatened by marine invaders

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 11:20:20 EDT

Increasing tourism and the spread of marine invasive non-native species is threatening the unique plant and marine life around the Galapagos Islands.

Invasive species: Understanding the threat before it's too late

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:53:53 EDT

Catching rides on cargo ships and fishing boats, many invasive species are now covering our shorelines and compromising the existence of our native marine life. Scientists have examined what factors allow some invasive species to survive in their new environments and others to fail.

Can a tropical water flea invade European lakes?

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 12:42:42 EDT

Daphnia lumholtzi is a small crustacean that lives in the tropics. This plankton-like creature is also an invasive species in North America -- and so far, it has never been detected in Europe's lakes and ponds. A possible invasion in Europe is examined in a recent paper.

What do American bullfrogs eat when they're away from home? Practically everything

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:16:16 EDT

A control program on southern Vancouver Island provided the carcasses of over 5,000 adult and juvenile invasive alien American bullfrogs. Examination of their stomach contents confirms that bullfrogs eat virtually any organism that can fit into their large mouths, whether it be under water, at the surface, on land, even when it can defend itself with stingers, spines, or claws. So native ecosystems beware!

Scientists map genome of fungus that causes Dutch elm disease

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:02:02 EDT

Researchers have successfully mapped the genes in the fungus that causes Dutch elm disease. The researchers believe this is the first time the 30 million DNA letters for the fungus Ophiostoma ulmi have been mapped. The findings could help scientists figure out how to prevent the fungus from destroying elm trees in the future.

When hungry, Gulf of Mexico algae go toxic

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:16:16 EDT

When Gulf of Mexico algae don't get enough nutrients, they focus their remaining energy on becoming more and more poisonous to ensure their survival, according to a new study.

European invader outcompetes Canadian plants even outside its usual temperature range

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 15:20:20 EDT

Vincetoxicum rossicum, commonly known as dog-strangling vine, is an alien invasive plant from the Ukraine and southwestern Russia that has now established itself in the northeastern United States and southern Ontario, Canada. This species successfully displaces local native plants, demonstrating high tolerance for environmental variables such as light and soil moisture.

New solution proposed to ensure biofuel plants don't become noxious weeds

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 08:42:42 EST

Scientist propose innovative solution to ensure lucrative biofuel plants such as arundo donax do not become invasive weeds that can destroy fragile ecosystems.

Assembling the transcriptome of a noxious weed: New resources for studying how plants invade

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 17:46:46 EST

Scientists have assembled transcriptomes of a noxious weed, Brachypodium sylvaticum, or slender false brome. The transcriptome provides an extensive genetic tool for studying how invasive species, like slender false brome, successfully spread into novel ranges. In addition, the genome is available for a closely related species, Brachypodium distachyon. Together, the transcriptome and genome can be used as a reference for pinpointing differences in slender false brome genes and gene activity that may contribute to its invasive capabilities.

West Nile virus passes from female to eggs, but less so from larvae to adults

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 08:07:07 EST

California researchers monitored WNV in mosquitoes in the field and in the lab, and observed how the virus is transmitted between generations and between insect stages.

Decoys could blunt spread of ash-killing beetles

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 08:53:53 EST

As the emerald ash borer ravages North American ash trees, threatening the trees' very survival, a team of entomologists and engineers may have found a way to prevent the spread of the pests.

Reproductive workings of a harvester ant dynasty

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:46:46 EST

For the first time, scientists have measured how successfully a queen ant establishes new colonies. The work revealed that the queen was still reproducing several decades after mating.

Asian needle ants displacing other aggressive invaders

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 10:23:23 EST

Researchers have found that one of the most aggressive invasive ant species in the United States -- the Argentine ant -- appears to have met its match in the Asian needle ant. Specifically, the researchers have found that the Asian needle ant is successfully displacing Argentine ants in an urban environment, indicating that the Asian needle ant -- with its venomous sting -- may be the next invasive species to see a population boom.

Biocontrol research on Brazilian peppertree in Florida discovers new cryptic species

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 09:47:47 EST

A species of moth from Brazil that was being considered for biocontrol of the Brazilian peppertree in Florida was sent to a USDA-Agricultural Research Service research entomologist for identification. In the course of the research, six new species were discovered.

West Nile virus spreading due to mosquitoes in orchards and vineyards, experts warn

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 18:43:43 EST

Researchers have linked orchards and vineyards with a greater prevalence of West Nile virus in mosquitoes and the insects' ability to spread the virus to birds, horses and people. The finding is the most finely scaled look at the interplay between land use and with the virus's activity in key hosts.

Lake Mead aquatic-science research documents substantial improvements in ecosystem

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:36:36 EST

Lake Mead National Recreation Area's water quality is good, the sport fish populations are sufficient, and the lakes provide important habitat for an increasing number of birds. This positive trend is documented in a new report that leads to a better understanding of the natural resources of Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, and the issues that may affect natural resource management of Lake Mead NRA.

Biologists use diag trees to help solve gypsy moth mystery

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 11:17:17 EST

Working beneath towering oaks and maples, researchers have helped explain an observation that had puzzled insect ecologists who study voracious leaf-munching gypsy moth caterpillars.

Underwater CO₂ shows potential as barrier to Asian carp

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:52:52 EST

As the Asian carp population grows and the threat of the invasive species entering Lake Michigan through one of the Chicago canals is monitored, a researcher believes using two barrier methods is better than one.

Global plant diversity still hinges on local battles against invasives, study suggests

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 14:25:25 EST

Scientists have long suspected that studies of the impact of invasive species on biodiversity sometimes come to different conclusions because the impact depends on the size of the study site. Their field work confirms that the impact of invasive species is different at small scales than at large ones.

Tree and human health may be linked

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 16:38:38 EST

Evidence is increasing from multiple scientific fields that exposure to the natural environment can improve human health. In a new study, the presence of trees was associated with human health.

New 'social' chromosome discovered in the red fire ant

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 13:14:14 EST

Researchers have discovered a social chromosome in the highly invasive fire ant that helps to explain why some colonies allow for more than one queen ant, and could offer new solutions for dealing with this pest. One of the researchers said, "Our discovery could help in developing novel pest control strategies. For example, a pesticide could artificially deactivate the genes in the social chromosome and induce social anarchy within the colony."

Pine beetle outbreak buffers watersheds from nitrate pollution

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 17:21:21 EST

Scientists have found an unexpected silver lining in the devastating pine beetle outbreaks ravaging the West: Such events do not harm water quality in adjacent streams as scientists had previously believed.

Invading species can extinguish native plants despite recent reports to the contrary

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 16:20:20 EST

Evolutionary biologists have found that, given time, invading exotic plants will likely eliminate native plants growing in the wild despite recent reports to the contrary. A new study reports that recent statements that invasive plants are not problematic are often based on incomplete information, with insufficient time having passed to observe the full effect of invasions on native biodiversity.

As climate warms, bark beetles march on high-elevation forests

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 16:10:10 EST

In a new study, scientists report a rising threat to the whitebark pine forests of the northern Rocky Mountains as native mountain pine beetles climb ever higher, attacking trees that have not evolved strong defenses to stop them.

Low pH levels can eliminate harmful blooms of golden algae, one cause of massive fish kills

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 16:17:17 EST

Researchers are one step closer to understanding the algae that causes a substantial number of fish deaths in more than 18 states.

Around two queries a week to UK poisons service concern . . . snakebites

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 22:34:34 EST

Snakebite injuries account for around two phone queries every week to the UK National Poisons Information Service, a newly published audit finds.

Invasive plant species may harm native grasslands by changing soil composition

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 09:28:28 EST

The future landscape of the American Midwest could look a lot like the past—covered in native grasslands rather than agricultural crops. This is not a return to the past, however, but a future that could depend on grasslands for biofuels, grazing systems, carbon sequestration, and other ecosystem services. A major threat to this ecosystem is an old one—weeds and their influence on the soil.

From mobile phone to alien plant hunter

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 23:49:49 EST

Mobile phone users are being urged to help fight the spread of invasive plants across the UK – by downloading PlantTracker. The new app has already attracted 7,000 downloads and alerted ecologists to 2,500 sites where key invasive species have been spotted.

Density of invasive reed, Phragmites australis, mapped in Great Lakes

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 16:25:25 EST

Scientists have used satellite technologies to map the location and density of Phragmites australis, an invasive species of reed, in the coastal wetlands of all five Great Lakes.

Invasive grass fuels increased fire activity in the West

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 13:23:23 EST

An invasive grass species may be one reason fires are bigger and more frequent in certain regions of the western United States, according to a team of researchers.

How native plants and exotics coexist

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 11:07:07 EST

Exotic plants in many ecosystems may be better competitors, but biologists have found that exotics can be kept in check by herbivory.

Beargrass, a plant of many roles, is focus of new report

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 17:14:14 EST

Beargrass is an ecologically, culturally, and economically important plant in the Western United States and, for the first time, landowners, managers, and harvesters now have a comprehensive report about the species.

Darkened fjord waters mean fewer fish, more jellyfish

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 09:38:38 EST

The seawater in the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, and Norway’s coastal waters and fjords is gradually getting darker. Researchers are observing signs similar to those from overproduction of organic compounds. The result may be fewer marine areas with fish, and more jellyfish.

Saving salmon from deadly sea lice

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 13:35:35 EST

Biologists have some positive news for British Columbia's pink salmon populations, and the salmon farming industry that has struggled to protect both captive and wild salmon from sea lice infestations.

Baiting mosquitoes with knowledge and proven insecticides

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 13:46:46 EST

While one team of scientists is testing the effectiveness of pesticides against mosquitoes, another research group is studying new ways to repel mosquitoes.

2001-2002 drought helped propel mountain pine beetle epidemic

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 14:04:04 EST

A new study shows for the first time that episodes of reduced precipitation in the southern Rocky Mountains, especially during the 2001-02 drought, greatly accelerated development of the mountain pine beetle epidemic.

Mountain meadows dwindling in Pacific Northwest, U.S. due to climate change, study suggests

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 20:51:51 EDT

Some high mountain meadows in the Pacific Northwest are declining rapidly due to climate change, a study suggests, as reduced snowpack, longer growing seasons and other factors allow trees to invade these unique ecosystems that once were carpeted with grasses, shrubs and wildflowers.

Do Australia's giant fire-dependent trees belong in the rainforest?

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 21:40:40 EDT

Australia's giant eucalyptus trees are the tallest flowering plants on earth, yet their unique relationship with fire makes them a huge puzzle for ecologists. Now the first global assessment of these giants seeks to end a century of debate over the species' classification, a debate which may determine their future.

Scientists testing early warning system for West Nile virus

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 11:07:07 EDT

Using satellite imaging data from 2000 to the present, a scientist is testing an early warning system for West Nile virus risk in South Dakota. He predicted a high risk of West Nile virus for 2012, even though the state experienced a drought. And he was right.

Action needed to prevent more devastating tree diseases entering the UK, experts urge

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 16:12:12 EDT

The UK Government has recently imposed a ban on importing foreign ash trees in order to prevent the spread of fungal disease Chalara, which kills the trees and has entered the country via imports from Europe. Researchers argue that the nursery trade, horticultural stakeholders and the plant buying public need to be more aware of the risks to tree health posed by imported plant pathogens.

Unique sea snake found in museum

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 10:59:59 EDT

The pristine jungle and the deep seas are full of undiscovered biological species -- but they can be found in museums as well. In a formalin-filled jar in Copenhagen Natural History Museum, a new snake species has recently been discovered.