ST. LAWRENCE EASTERN LAKE ONTARIO PARTNERSHIP FOR REGIONAL INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT
Native to Ukraine, swallowwort was likely introduced to North America as an ornamental plant, soon
spreading to several northeastern states. The plant creates extremely dense monocultures spreading over
acres upon acres of otherwise biologically diverse natural systems. The biological control, Hypena opulenta, is
also from the Ukraine and feeds exclusively on swallowwort.
Partnering with the NYS Invasive Species Research Institute, the Thousand Islands Land Trust, SUNY ESF,
University of Rhode Island, the USDA Agricultural Research Service and local volunteers, our SLELO PRISM
assisted with caged releases of Hypena opulenta at four sites within the Eastern Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence
Region. This important work will help to restore Priority Conservation Areas (PCA’s) to their natural ecological
function.
Hypena opulenta adults are one cm long with a wingspan of about 3cm. They have dull, light brown forewings with a dark band in the middle and hindwings that are pale orange.
The larvae start out white, but later become green with black spots and a yellow head.
The life cycle of Hypena starts with the emergence from the egg as a larva. This larva goes through five stages or instars. The last molt occurs at the end of the 5th instar and transforms the larva into a pupa. Metamorphosis occurs inside the pupa and results in the emergence of an adult winged moth.
Adult Hypena opulenta lay between 600 to 400 eggs during an average 2-3 week lifespan. Two generations may occur in the same year. The larvae feed exclusively on pale and black swallowwort and this was the reason that they were selected as a biocontrol.
Photos from the field
Hypena opulenta pupae being readied for release.
Pupae remain in the release bucket until they mature into egg-laying adults inside the screened cage.
One of four 6’x6’x6’ research cages.
Adult Hypena opulenta emerged from pupae.
2021 Field Season Overview
2020 Field Season Overview
The Eastern Lake Ontario Swallow-wort Collaborative (ELOSC), is a platform for sharing the most up-to-date research and best management practices to inform stakeholders about the prevention and management of invasive swallow-wort.
Rob Williams rwilliams@tnc.org Program Director
Megan Pistolese megan.pistolese@tnc.org
Outreach and Education
Brittney Rogers brittney.rogers@tnc.org
Aquatic Invasive Species
Robert Smith robert.l.smith@tnc.org
Terrestrial Invasive Species
Zachary Simek zachary.simek@TNC.ORG Conservation and GIS Analyst
During this time the best way to contact our team is via email.
