Moth May Control Invasive Fern

Scientist seeking a natural biological control for the invasive Old World climbing fern, which is threatening Florida's wetlands, recently identified a fern-feeding moth, in Asia. As the fern is not invasive in areas where it grows naturally, it had been assumed that natural predators kept it under control.

The moth, Siamusotima aranea is called Lygodium spider moth because it feeds on Lygodium species and has markings that look like a spider (possibly mimicry to protect it from predators).

Link: Scientists Identify New Moth That Attacks Invasive Fern from the Agricultural Research Service of the US Department of Agriculture

Posted by Eric La Fountaine at 1:41 PM on September 11, 2005

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