Our Latest Invasives Profiles

Wild Pigs are defined as any animal of the species Sus scrofa that is not contained and able to roam freely (this includes domestic pigs, European wild boar and their hybrids). As a result, wild pigs can have a range of appearances 1,2.

The spotted lanternfly is a distinct and colourful planhoppernative to China.1 Spotted lanternflies feed on “phloem”, a sugary tissue that plants and trees need to transport nutrients for growth.

Spongy moths are a species of European moth that has devastating impacts on forests. They feed on the leaves of a wide range of host trees, including oak, willow, birch, and maple.1,2,3 Spongy moth larvae (caterpillars) are dark coloured and hairy, with a distinct double row of five pairs of blue spots, and double row of six pairs of red spots, down its back.

Tree of Heaven is a deciduous tree native to Asia that was introduced to North America in the late 18th century. Known for its rapid growth and ability to thrive in diverse conditions, it is used in urban areas despite its invasive nature.

Oak Wilt is a fatal vascular disease of oak trees caused by the fungus Bretziella fagacearum.This fungus infects the xylem (water-conducting tissues), obstructing the flow of water and nutrients which causes leaves to become discolored and wilt rapidly, eventually leading to the tree's death.

Potato wart is a soil-borne fungal disease that deforms potato tubers by causing abnormal growths, or warts, which can severely reduce crop yields. This fungus does not pose a risk to human or animal health but has considerable economic implications for potato growers due to the damage it causes to the potatoes, making them unmarketable.