LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan’s invasive species family just grew by two according to a recent announcement by the Department of Natural Resources.
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The two new critters to keep a particular eye out for are the mountain pine beetle and the water-primrose. The DNR also announced that one species, the European frog-bit, has been removed from the list after just more than a decade of being on the list. Mountain
Particularly prevalent in the western U.S. and Canada, the Mountain pine beetle have experienced higher than average population growth in times of hot, dry summers and mild winters as it has moved eastward to Michigan.
The beetle is deadliest to pine trees, and according to Invasive Species Specialist for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Susie Lott, it could cause severe damage to several Michigan ecosystems.
“White and red pines are primary species in our forest ecosystems, and jack pine serves as critical habitat for the Kirtand’s warbler,” said Lott. “If mountain pine beetle were to become widely established in Michigan, it would cause severe losses across multiple industries, including timber products, plant nurseries and tourism.”
Closer to sea-level, water-primrose poses problems for the wetland ecosystems in particular. The Ludwigia species of plant quickly spreads across the surface of wetlands weaving dense mats, which outpaces native species’ growth, and creates challenges for water access to boats and others.
“Water-primrose is not a regulated species in Michigan. Though not common in trade, it was likely introduced through the landscape or water garden pathway,” said Bill Keiper, aquatic biologist with the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. “Several Ludwigia species are common in trade but are not invasive and look much different than water-primrose.”
The DNR warns the public that reporting is encouraged, but there is a slight difference between some of Michigan’s native plants related to the invasive water-primrose including: seedbox, water-purslane, false loosestrife and globe-fruited loosestrife.
“These natives can be distinguished by their flowers, which have four or no true petals,” according to DNR officials.
When reporting a sighting of the mountain pine beetle, invasive water-primrose, or other watch list species, the public is encouraged to use one of the following:
- The Midwest Invasive Species Information Network online reporting tool
- Download the MISIN smartphone app and report from your phone.
A complete list of the Michigan invasive species watch list can be found here.
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