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The Life History Of Larinus Minutus, A Biological Control Agent Of Invasive Knapweeds, And Its Dispersal From Release Sites In Arkansas, Adam M. Alford

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Larinus minutus Gyllenhal, a biological control agent of invasive knapweeds, has become established in several states and provinces since initial North American introduction in 1991. In order to reduce growing spotted knapweed populations in Northwest Arkansas, Larinus minutus (a biological control agent of spotted knapweed) was released annually from 2008-2011. Little is known about the larval development of this species, although the widespread use of this insect has provided research describing detailed host range and generalized life history. The speed and extent of the spread of this weevil from release sites following introduction have not been reported. This research described …