In most wetlands of Rhode Island, you will find exotic Phragmites (P. australis subsp. australis), also known as the common reed, as pictured in Figure 1. Exotic Phragmites is an invasive species of reed in North America that spreads quickly and forms dense growths which can quickly out-compete other native species. This rapidly decreases the habitat for native wildlife and can hinder human movement through wetlands.
There are currently no permanent solutions to deal with this weed, but biocontrol is a promising long-term option. URI has been working with Cornell University and others on developing a biocontrol program for exotic Phragmites. There are two species of moth that are specific to Phragmites that show promise as biological control agents. The larvae of both Archanara neurica and A. geminipuncta are native to Europe and parts of the Middle East where they are found feeding internally on stems of P. australis subsp. australis.
Fig. 1. Phragmites australis found at the URI Agronomy Farm 
Fig. 2. Adult Archanara sp. oviposition cage containing Phragmites stems 
Fig. 3. Archanara neurica eggs laid in Phragmites leaf sheath. 
Fig. 4. Archanara neurica pupa found in a Phragmites stem 
Fig. 5. Archanara geminipuncta 4th instar larva 
Fig. 6. Internal damage done to Phragmites by an Archanara sp. larva 
Fig. 7. Archanara exit holes in Phragmites stems
Related Documents
- Herbivores on Phragmites in North America
- Potential for Biological Control of Phragmites australis in North America
- Performance of a Native Butterfly and Introduced Moth on Native and Introduced Lineages of Phragmities australis
- Distribution of Native and Exotic Phragmities australis in Rhode Island
Related Links
Uri Student Posters
Insect Infestation in Native and Exotic Phragmites australis 
Phragmites and the Mealy Plum Aphid 
Lipara Species on Phragmites
