In cooperation with Ken and Patty Small, Platte County Weed and Pest, and the Wyoming Game and Fish, the 4-H Wildlife Habitat evaluation team, under the leadership of Ryan Amundson, set out to demonstrate how Canadian Thistle could be controlled using insects instead of chemicals.  The insects were released in April of 2000.  On June 12 the team returned to the site to evaluate how this management strategy was working.

Both species of the released insects were found, in addition a leaf feeding web forming caterpillar was also discovered to be attacking the thistle.

Web forming caterpillar:

One of the insects released functions by feeding on the material inside the stem of the thistle, thereby killing the weed.  The photograph shows a thistle plant sliced in half.  In the upper portion you can see where the insect has hollowed out the stem.

Stem Boring Insect:

The team was accompanied by the world famous entomologist Bob Shoemaker.  This is a picture of "The Great One" pausing to reflect on the day's successes.
(actually Bob Shoemaker is the supervisor of Platte County Weed and Pest and was a valuable resource in the project)

Bob the bug catcher on duty:

For more information on bio-control of weeds contact:
Bob Shoemaker: 307-322-3210
Ryan Amundson: 307-322-9060
Dallas Mount: 307-322-3667