ResearchTopic: Invasive Species

Spiny & Fishhook Waterfleas Fact Sheet

Species at a Glance The Spiny Waterflea and the Fishhook Waterflea are tiny freshwater crustaceans that threaten native fish populations by consuming a main food source, plankton. They are also a nuisance to anglers as they collect in cotton-like masses on fishing lines and downrigger cables. Species Description Clumps of Waterfleas have a gelatinous texture and […]

Eurasian Watermilfoil Fact Sheet

Species at a Glance Eurasian Watermilfoil is a feathery submerged aquatic plant that was once commonly sold as an aquarium plant. It quickly forms thick, damaging mats that cause harm in shallow areas of rivers and lakes throughout North America. Species Description Eurasian Watermilfoil has small (<2 cm long) feathery leaves that are arranged in […]

Eurasian Ruffe Fact Sheet

Species at a Glance The Eurasian Ruffe is a small but aggressive member of the perch family. Its prolific growth, reproduction, and ability to adapt to a wide range of environments make it a serious threat to both aquatic environments and commercial and sport fishing industries. Species Description The Eurasian Ruffe has a small, deep, and […]

American Lotus Fact Sheet

Species at a Glance The American Lotus is an aquatic perennial plant with large round leaves, luminescent yellow flowers, and distinctive cone-shaped seed pods. The name American Lotus means “sacred bean” after the seed pods, which are popular in dried floral arrangements. Unfortunately, this fast-growing species is also a strong colonizer that can quickly dominate […]

Allegheny Crayfish Fact Sheet

Species at a Glance Also known as the obscure crayfish, the Allegheny Crayfish is a medium-sized crayfish that typically inhabits rocky substrates in streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, and competes for habitat and food resources with native crayfish species. This species has unique management implications, as it is native to the western portion of the […]

Faucet Snail Fact Sheet

Species at a Glance The Faucet Snail is a small freshwater snail that grazes and filters algae from lakes. It is native to Europe and was most likely introduced to the Great Lakes through contaminated solid ballast of large timber transport ships, or from vegetation used in packing crates. The Faucet Snail gets its name […]

Purple Loosestrife Fact Sheet

Species at a Glance Purple Loosestrife is an attractive but aggressive wetland and riparian invader that was introduced to North America for its beauty and medicinal value. It can rapidly degrade wetlands and replace valuable native species that provide food and shelter for wildlife. Species Description Purple Loosestrife is an upright and hardy perennial that […]

Phragmites Fact Sheet

Watch our Phragmites research video! Species at a Glance Phragmites, also called the Common Reed, is a perennial grass that grows in tall stands and excludes other vegetation. While some strains of the species are native to North America, aggressive non-native strains have expanded throughout the United States, replacing much of the native reed. Species […]

Nutria Fact Sheet

Species at a Glance The Nutria, also called the Coypu, is a large, semi-aquatic rodent that was once considered an important resource for the Louisiana fur industry. With the collapse of the fur market in the 1940s, the Nutria became overabundant and affected thousands of acres of coastal wetland as it grazed on important marsh […]

Mile-a-Minute Fact Sheet

Species at a Glance Mile-a-minute, also known as Asiatic Tearthumb, is an herbaceous, annual, trailing vine that can grow up to six inches per day. It survives by using its sharp barbs to attach to and climb over other plants to reach sunlight, weakening and smothering them in the process. Species Description The leaves of […]

ResearchTopic: Invasive Species

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