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Beetles Booming

Ragwort flea beetle numbers are climbing rapidly in the Bay of Plenty.

The Longitarsus jacobaeae beetle, introduced from Italy, is a biological control agent for ragwort. It was first released in the area in 1985. Both adult and larval stages feed on ragwort, although the larva does more damage to the plant.

"When the beetle was first introduced to the Bay of Plenty, it was estimated to take at least ten years to become established. It has taken just over five years," says BoP regional noxious plants coordinator Peter Ingram.