Oberea erythrocephala 
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Common Name
Red-headed leafy spurge stem borer
Weed Impacted
This beetle attacks leafy spurge. Larval feeding within the stems and root crowns (mining) inhibits the ability of the plants to transport and store nutrients, resulting in early stem death and reduced flower formation. Adults cause secondary damage by chewing around, or “girdling,” the stems, also resulting in stem death.
Insect Description
Adults are slender, elongate beetles with grayish-black hind wings, a red head, and black eyes. Antennae are nearly as long as the body. The larvae are slender and elongate, whitish with a brown head capsule, and are found within the stems and root crowns.
Life Cycle
Adults emerge from the root crowns in late May or June. Both sexes are sexually immature for about two weeks after emergence. Eggs are laid from late June to mid-July. Females chew grooves around the stems (girdling), gnaw holes above the grooves, and deposit eggs into them. Eggs are laid singly in each hole. The holes become covered with latex sap, which eventually dries and protects the egg. Larvae hatch in 7 to 10 days and begin mining the stems, making their way down to the root crown. Mature larvae overwinter in the root crowns, where they pupate the following spring (May).
Field Identification
Presence of O. erythrocephala in the field can be indicated by ring-like grooves chewed around the stems.
Availability
While this insect has established in several states, the beetles are not often collected in large numbers. Adults are typically collected in early July. To inquire about availability and to request this biocontrol agent, please download, complete and submit this form.
Comments
Although O. erythrocephala can cause significant damage to leafy spurge, it is only effective on certain “strains” of the weed. Consequently, this insect is generally considered secondary to Aphthona spp. for biological control of leafy spurge.
Using the Agent: Integrated Weed Management (IWM)
Leafy spurge is highly toxic, extremely difficult to control with herbicides, and nearly impossible to control with physical/mechanical or other methods. Roots can grow 3 to 7 m (10 to over 20 feet) deep, and new plants can sprout from pieces of roots as small as 1.3 cm (1/2 inch) long and 0.25 cm (approximately 1/8 inch) thick. Thus, successful control of leafy spurge is usually a long-term process, and biological control is an absolutely critical component of effective management.
However, biological control should only implemented where infestations of leafy spurge are large and immediate eradication is not the main objective. Smaller satellite infestations should be sprayed annually, without skipping a year until control is over 90%. Consult with your county weed office, Extension office or an IWM practitioner to determine which herbicide treatments are safe and appropriate.
Sheep and goats can feed safely on leafy spurge, and grazing by these animals can also help slow spread of the weed. Do NOT, however, allow cattle to feed on leafy spurge. Ingestion of the plant by cattle can cause animal illness or death.
Any management of leafy spurge should include intensive revegetation with native or other desirable plants, especially grasses. Revegetation promotes plant competition, which stresses weeds and allows for more effective treatment. For more information about revegetation and IWM, click here.
For more information about integrated management of leafy spurge, follow the highlighted links in the references below:
References
Coombs, E. M., J. K. Clark, G. L. Piper, and A. F. Cofrancesco, Jr. 2004. Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the United States. Western Society of Weed Science, Oregon State Univ. Press, Corvallis.
Lym, R. G., and C. G. Messersmith. 2006. Leafy Spurge Identification and Chemical Control. North Dakota State University Extension Bulletin W-765. URL http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/plantsci/weeds/w765w.htm
Lym, R. G., and R. K. Zollinger. 1995. Integrated Management of Leafy Spurge. North Dakota State University Extension Bulletin W-866. URL http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/plantsci/weeds/w866w.htm
Photo Credits
Oberea erythrocephala adult- USDA-APHIS archive photo, bugwood.org http://www.insectimages.org/images/768x512/1148006.jpg
Oberea erythrocephala larva - Norman Rees, USDA Agricultural Research Service, bugwood.org http://www.insectimages.org/images/768x512/0025007.jpg
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