Iphithi Nature Reserve in Gillitts recently saw the first release in South Africa of Neoloema abbreviata, a beetle that feeds exclusively on the invasive alien plant Tradescantia fluminensis.
Commonly known as Spiderwort, it’s a vigorous creeper that, like the beetle, originates in southern Brazil. The weed stifles indigenous growth in forest understoreys. Left unchecked, it could decimate forest habitat. As with all biological control agents imported into the country, Neolema abbreviata underwent extensive tests by scientists from the Agricultural Research Centre and with the support of the Department of the Environment to ensure it poses no risk to the local environment. South Africa has a healthy record of biological weed control, starting in 1913 when a cochineal bug was released to control smooth prickly pear. Since then, many other biological control agents have been introduced without negative impacts. So, if you spot this little beetle or its grey, slug-like larvae, welcome them with open arms.
– Andrea Abbott