Information

Agent

Aphthona cyparissiae (Koch)

Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Chrysomelidae

Agent Name References:
- Gassmann, A. and D. Schroeder. 1995. The search for effective biological control agents in Europe: history and lessons from leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) and cypress spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias L.). Biological Control 5: 466-477.
- Nowierski, R.M. and R.W. Pemberton. 2002. Leafy Spurge. In R. Van Driesche, S. Lyon, B. Blossey, M. Hoddle, and R. Reardon, Eds. Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the Eastern United States. FHTET-2002-04. USDA Forest Service, Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team, Morgantown, West Virginia. pp. 181-194.

Weed

Euphorbia esula L.

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Incorrect Past Names/Synonyms: Euphorbia virgata Waldst. & Kit.
Common Name: leafy spurge

Notes: Increasing evidence indicates the species considered weedy throughout North America is Euphorbia virgata Waldst. & Kit., a species distinct from Euphorbia esula L. Because of widespread application of the name E. esula in North American weed literature and continued taxonomic uncertainty in this Euphorbia group, the name E. esula is retained in this catalogue, though the authors of this catalogue recognize the name E. virgata is likely most accurate.

Origin: Eurasia

Weed Name References:
- Gassmann, A. and D. Schroeder. 1995. The search for effective biological control agents in Europe: history and lessons from leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) and cypress spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias L.). Biological Control 5: 466-477.
- Nowierski, R.M. and R.W. Pemberton. 2002. Leafy Spurge. In R. Van Driesche, S. Lyon, B. Blossey, M. Hoddle, and R. Reardon, Eds. Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the Eastern United States. FHTET-2002-04. USDA Forest Service, Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team, Morgantown, West Virginia. pp. 181-194.

Weed Synonym References:
- Riina, R., J.A. Peirson, D.V. Geltman, J. Molero, B. Frajman, A. Pahlevani, L. Barres, J.J. Morawetz, Y. Salmaki, S. Zarre, A. Kryukov, P.V. Bruyns, and P.E. Berry. 2013. A worldwide molecular phylogeny and classification of the leafy spurges, Euphorbia subgenus Esula (Euphorbiaceae). Taxon 62: 316–342.
- Berry, P.E. 2017. (personal communication) University of Michigan, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 2035 Kraus Nat. Sci. Bldg, 830 N University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA.

Weed Common Name References:
- Gassmann, A. and D. Schroeder. 1995. The search for effective biological control agents in Europe: history and lessons from leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) and cypress spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias L.). Biological Control 5: 466-477.
- Nowierski, R.M. and R.W. Pemberton. 2002. Leafy Spurge. In R. Van Driesche, S. Lyon, B. Blossey, M. Hoddle, and R. Reardon, Eds. Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the Eastern United States. FHTET-2002-04. USDA Forest Service, Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team, Morgantown, West Virginia. pp. 181-194.

Weed Notes References:
- Riina, R., J.A. Peirson, D.V. Geltman, J. Molero, B. Frajman, A. Pahlevani, L. Barres, J.J. Morawetz, Y. Salmaki, S. Zarre, A. Kryukov, P.V. Bruyns, and P.E. Berry. 2013. A worldwide molecular phylogeny and classification of the leafy spurges, Euphorbia subgenus Esula (Euphorbiaceae). Taxon 62: 316–342.
- Berry, P.E. 2017. (personal communication) University of Michigan, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 2035 Kraus Nat. Sci. Bldg, 830 N University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA.

Weed Origin References:
- Bourchier, R., R. Hansen, R. Lym, A. Norton, D. Olson, C.B. Randall, M. Schwarzländer, and L. Skinner. 2006. Biology and Biological Control of Leafy Spurge. FHTET-2005-07. USDA Forest Service, Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team, Morgantown, West Virginia. 138 pp.
- Gassmann, A. and D. Schroeder. 1995. The search for effective biological control agents in Europe: history and lessons from leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) and cypress spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias L.). Biological Control 5: 466-477.

Release and Source Information

List: 1 - Exotic Organisms Intentionally Introduced

Source: Ex. Austria & Hungary & Italy & Switzerland
Year: 1986
Region: North America
Country: United States of America
Subregion of Country: CO, ID, IA, MN, MT, NE, NH, NY, NV, NM, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, WA, WI, WY
Subregion specific:

Release History: CO 1991-1992, IA 1993, ID 1989 1991-1992, MN 1989 1991-1992, MT 1987-1994, NE 1988 1991-1992, ND WY 1986 1987 1991-1992, NM 1993, NV 1991-1992, OR 1989-1992, RI 1995, SD 1989 1991-1992, WA 1991-1992, WI 1991-1992 1995; Redistributed in mixture containing Aphthona cyparissiae, A. flava, A. nigriscutis to CO OR ND WY 1989, IA 1992 1994, ID NH RI 1995, NV 1992-1993, NY 1995-1996, SD 1990-1991, UT 1992-1993, WA 1989-1992, WI 1994

Release Notes: Released on both Euphorbia cyparissias and E. esula. Aphthona redistributions ongoing in many states utilizing mixture of Aphthona species.

Source Information References:
- Coombs, E.M. 1997. Biological control of weeds in Oregon. Annual Report. Project summaries 1996. Oregon Department of Agriculture, Noxious Weed Control Program, Salem, Oregon, USA. 33 pp.
- Hansen, R.W., R.D. Richard, P.E. Parker, and L.E. Wendel. 1997. Distribution of Biological Control Agents of Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) in the United States: 1988–1996. Biological Control 10(2): 129-142.
- Hansen, R.W., N.R. Spencer, L. Fornasari, P.C. Quimby Jr., R.W. Pemberton, and R.M. Nowierski. 2004. Leafy spurge, Euphorbia esula (complex). In E.M. Coombs, J.K. Clark, G.L. Piper, and A.F. Cofrancesco Jr., Eds. Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the United States. Oregon State University Press, Corvallis, Oregon. pp. 233-262.
- Pemberton, R.W. 1995. Leafy spurge. In J.R. Nechols, L.A. Andres, J.W. Beardsley, R.D. Goeden, and C.G. Jackson, Eds. Biological Control in the Western United States: Accomplishments and Benefits of Regional Research Project W-84, 1964-1989. Publication 3361. University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Oakland, California. pp. 289-295.
- Pemberton, R.W. and G.R. Johnson. 1986. Aphthona cyparissiae, a new flea beetle for leafy spurge control in the United States. In 1986 Leafy Spurge Symposium. 9-10 July 1986, Riverton, Wyoming, USA; Great Plains Agricultural Council. pp. 42-48.
- ROBO Database. 2012. Release of beneficial organisms in the United States and Territories. USDA ARS. www.ars-grin.gov/nigrp/robo.html. 10 September 2012.

Original Host Species

Euphorbia cyparissias L., Euphorbia esula L.

Original Host Species References:
- ROBO Database. 2012. Release of beneficial organisms in the United States and Territories. USDA ARS. www.ars-grin.gov/nigrp/robo.html. 10 September 2012.

Establishment

Established: Yes
Established in Subregion of Country: CO, ID, IA, MN, MT, NE, NM, NY, NV, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, WA, WI, WY
Established in Subregion specific:

Establishment References:
- Gassmann, A. and D. Schroeder. 1995. The search for effective biological control agents in Europe: history and lessons from leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) and cypress spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias L.). Biological Control 5: 466-477.
- Hansen, R.W., R.D. Richard, P.E. Parker, and L.E. Wendel. 1997. Distribution of Biological Control Agents of Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) in the United States: 1988–1996. Biological Control 10(2): 129-142.
- Hansen, R.W., N.R. Spencer, L. Fornasari, P.C. Quimby Jr., R.W. Pemberton, and R.M. Nowierski. 2004. Leafy spurge, Euphorbia esula (complex). In E.M. Coombs, J.K. Clark, G.L. Piper, and A.F. Cofrancesco Jr., Eds. Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the United States. Oregon State University Press, Corvallis, Oregon. pp. 233-262.
- Pemberton, R.W. 1995. Leafy spurge. In J.R. Nechols, L.A. Andres, J.W. Beardsley, R.D. Goeden, and C.G. Jackson, Eds. Biological Control in the Western United States: Accomplishments and Benefits of Regional Research Project W-84, 1964-1989. Publication 3361. University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Oakland, California. pp. 289-295.

Abundance

Limited

Abundance References:
- Anderson, G.L., E.S. Delfosse, N.R. Spencer, C.W. Prosser, and R.D. Richard. 2000. Biological control of leafy spurge: an emerging success story. In N.R. Spencer, Ed. Proceedings of the X International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds. 4-14 July 1999, Bozeman, Montana, USA; Montana State University pp. 15-25.
- Coombs, E.M. 2012. Biological control of weeds in Oregon. Annual Report 2012. Oregon Department of Agriculture, Noxious Weed Control Program, Salem, Oregon, USA. 35 pp.
- Lym, R.G. and R.B. Carlson. 2002. Effect of leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) Genotype on feeding damage and reproduction of Aphthona spp.: implications for biological weed control. Biological Control 23: 127-133.
- Nowierski, R.M. and R.W. Pemberton. 2002. Leafy Spurge. In R. Van Driesche, S. Lyon, B. Blossey, M. Hoddle, and R. Reardon, Eds. Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the Eastern United States. FHTET-2002-04. USDA Forest Service, Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team, Morgantown, West Virginia. pp. 181-194.
- Andreas, J.E., J. Milan, C. Randall, and J. Price. 2020. Biological Control. In E. Peachey, Ed. Pacific Northwest Weed Management Handbook. Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon. pp. A1-A7.

Agent Impact

Impact: Slight
Geographic Scale of impact: Widespread throughout range
Impact Notes: Well established at few release sites but overall much less abundant than other Aphthona spp. Populations highest at dry, mesic sites with sandy loam soils. Under these conditions, stem density may decrease quickly but unattacked roots help plants recover; numerous years under right conditions required for this agent to decrease populations permanently. Damage typically greatest in combination with other Aphthona spp.

Impact References:
- Anderson, G.L., E.S. Delfosse, N.R. Spencer, C.W. Prosser, and R.D. Richard. 2000. Biological control of leafy spurge: an emerging success story. In N.R. Spencer, Ed. Proceedings of the X International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds. 4-14 July 1999, Bozeman, Montana, USA; Montana State University pp. 15-25.
- Coombs, E.M. 2012. Biological control of weeds in Oregon. Annual Report 2012. Oregon Department of Agriculture, Noxious Weed Control Program, Salem, Oregon, USA. 35 pp.
- Hansen, R.W., N.R. Spencer, L. Fornasari, P.C. Quimby Jr., R.W. Pemberton, and R.M. Nowierski. 2004. Leafy spurge, Euphorbia esula (complex). In E.M. Coombs, J.K. Clark, G.L. Piper, and A.F. Cofrancesco Jr., Eds. Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the United States. Oregon State University Press, Corvallis, Oregon. pp. 233-262.
- Lym, R.G. and R.B. Carlson. 2002. Effect of leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) Genotype on feeding damage and reproduction of Aphthona spp.: implications for biological weed control. Biological Control 23: 127-133.
- Nowierski, R.M. and R.W. Pemberton. 2002. Leafy Spurge. In R. Van Driesche, S. Lyon, B. Blossey, M. Hoddle, and R. Reardon, Eds. Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the Eastern United States. FHTET-2002-04. USDA Forest Service, Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team, Morgantown, West Virginia. pp. 181-194.
- Roehrdanz, R., D. Olson, G. Fauske, R. Bourchier, A. Cortilet, and S. Sears. 2009. New DNA markers reveal presence of Aphthona species (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) believed to have failed to establish after release into leafy spurge. Biological Control 49: 1-5.
- Andreas, J.E., J. Milan, C. Randall, and J. Price. 2020. Biological Control. In E. Peachey, Ed. Pacific Northwest Weed Management Handbook. Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon. pp. A1-A7.

Limiting Factors

Habitat

Limiting Factors References:
- Hansen, R.W., N.R. Spencer, L. Fornasari, P.C. Quimby Jr., R.W. Pemberton, and R.M. Nowierski. 2004. Leafy spurge, Euphorbia esula (complex). In E.M. Coombs, J.K. Clark, G.L. Piper, and A.F. Cofrancesco Jr., Eds. Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the United States. Oregon State University Press, Corvallis, Oregon. pp. 233-262.

Other Attack

Were other species attacked?: No
Other Species Attacked Notes:

Research Organizations

University of North Dakota, Fargo (State (11))
University of Wyoming, Laramie (State (13))
Oregon State Department of Agriculture, Salem (State (15))
Auburn University, Alabama (State (28))
Montana State University (State (7))
Washington State University (State (9))
Bozeman, Montana (USDA (10))
Davis, California (USDA (14))
Albany, California (USDA (7))
United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS)

Notes