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Bangasternus orientalis, the Yellow Starthistle BudWeevil, attacks the flower heads thereby reducing seed production. Females lay up to 400 eggs on the developing flowers. Larval feeding on the plant's receptacle tissues reduces or eliminates seed production in the attacked flower head. Because yellow starthistle reproduces only by seed, this agent provides an important impact toward bio-control of this weed. Releases of 105 adults are available in May for $50.00.
Bangerasternus orientalis
The Yellow Starthistle Hairy Weevil, Eustenopus villosus, is our best new insect for this poisonous weed. Adult weevils feed externally on the flowers and larvae feed within, destroying seed production. A good disperser, this agent can become widespread and have a significant impact on starthistle seed production. The Yellow Starthistle Hairy Weevil appears to have significant potential as a bio-control agent of yellow starthistle. Releases of 105 adults are $50.00 in July.
