New locality for the tamarisk (Tamarix spp.) biological agent Diorhabda spp. in southeastern Arizona
Researchers report that tamarisk beetles (Diorhabda spp.), introduced in 2001 as a biological control for invasive tamarisk (Tamarix spp.), have expanded their range into areas previously considered inhospitable, including the southwestern U.S. A new site of extensive tamarisk defoliation was documented along the Gila River near Safford, Arizona. Tracking the beetles’ range expansion is important for anticipating tamarisk defoliation, particularly in locations that provide critical habitat for native wildlife, such as the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus).
Sean M. Mahoney, Adam C. Stein, Amanda R. Stahlke, A. Zeynep Özsoy, Francisca L. Esquivel, and Matthew J. Johnson "NEW LOCALITY FOR THE TAMARISK (TAMARIX SPP.) BIOLOGICAL AGENT DIORHABDA SPP. IN SOUTHEASTERN ARIZONA," The Southwestern Naturalist 68(3), 228-232, (19 December 2024). https://doi.org/10.1894/0038-4909-68.3.228.