Limited numbers of beneficial organisms that attack leafy spurge have been released in America in the past, but with minimal success. The project depends on a broad, coordinated effort with cooperation from as many Federal, State, and industry groups as possible. Together, these spurge enemies make a good team for fighting leafy spurge because they attack different parts of the plant. Each attack weakens the plant in a different way, thereby exerting a cumulative stress on the weed. Eventually, they hope that here will be enough spurge enemies to achieve the same level of control as seen in Europe.
Adults are reddish brown.
Females lay an average of 60 eggs and live 3-8 weeks. The adult feeds on the outside of the plant and girdles the stem. The larval stage of the insect bores into the stem and root crown, feeding from inside the plant. The overall effect is to reduce the carbohydrate reserves stored in the roots. Root Mining Flea Beetles Three species of chrysomelid flea beetles from Austria, Hungary, Italy, and Yugoslavia contribute to the attack on leafy spurge.