REMEMBER THE ALAMO:
CRETAN BEETLE ARMY
MARCHES ON TEXAS

       
  In certain areas of Texas, where infestations of salt cedar growth have wrecked havoc with vegetation and small animals, as well as causing water problems, authorities have been importing a species of Leaf beetle, Diorhabda elongate, from Crete to help combat the troubling situation.

"The Cretan beetles, or salt cedar beetles, come from an area similar to West Texas, according to a spokesman from the Pecos Water District. “We have tried some different species that were not compatible with the environment, but only the beetles from Crete seem to work. If it continues to work well here, I'm sure many other areas with the same salt cedar problem will be importing Cretan beetles, too."

The salt cedar plant is an aggressive colonizer that is able to survive in a wide variety of habitats, and often forms monotypic stands, replacing willows, cottonwoods and other native riparian vegetation. The stems and leaves of mature plants secrete salt, forming a crust above and below ground that inhibits other plants. Salt cedar is also an enormous water consumer. A single large plant can absorb 200 gallons of water a day, stressing native vegetation by lowering ground water levels, and can also dry up springs and marshy areas. Paradoxically, salt cedar infestations can also lead to flooding, as its extensive root system can choke stream beds.

Infestations also have detrimental impacts on wildlife. Salt cedar seeds have almost no protein and are too small to be eaten by most animals. In addition, its scale-like leaves offer little suitable forage for browsing animals.
But the jaunty beetle, imported from Crete, where the troublesome tree is native, has taken an impressive bite out of salt cedar in several study sites in Texas and other parts of the American West.
To this insect, the vast stands of salt cedar are just one enormous, seemingly endless banquet. The plant's scale-like leaves offer a nutritious treat for the insects, whether they're in their caterpillar-like larval stage or have matured into quarter-inch-long adult beetles.