D3448: Using Hypena opulenta as a biocontrol of black swallowwort (Vincetoxicum nigrum,) in Harpswell ME

Black swallowwort (Vincetoxicum nigrum) is an herbaceous plant originating from Europe that nativized in the Northeastern United States and eastern Canada during the mid-19th century. Since V. nigrum’s naturalization, its range has expanded from eastern North America to include central North America. The expanding range of V. nigrum is concerning because Vincetoxicum spp. are disruptive to local ecology and create monocultures that outcompete native vegetation. These monocultures impact arthropod biodiversity, restoration efforts, land management, and organisms that feed on insects. Studies have demonstrated that the moth species Hypena opulenta has the potential to act as a classical biological control for V. nigrum, as it is a specialist that only feeds on Vincetoxicum species. The objectives of this poster were to: (1) Measure reproductive success and survival rate of H. opulenta at several developmental stages and relate reproduction and survival to environmental conditions, day length and vegetation characteristics at new release locations; (2) Measure the impact of H. opulenta herbivory on V. nigrum growth in relation to phenological, ecological and environmental conditions at new release locations; (3) Relate overwintering survival of H. opulenta to seasonal and overwintering environmental conditions and vegetation characteristics at past release locations; (4) Monitor for adult H. opulenta that may have established at past release locations.  Over the summer of 2022 H. opulenta successfully defoliated V. nigrum plants and completed their full lifecycle inside and outside protective cages. The results of this poster may help find new ways to help stop the spread of invasive Vincetoxicum species.