We are back to another biocontrol agent in our cycle of species spotlight, and it’s not hard to guess what this agent feeds on: leafy spurge.
The flea beetles used to control leafy spurge get the “flea” from their name for their impressive leaping ability. As adults, the flea beetles will defoliate the leaves of leafy spurge and kill entire sections of the colony. The female flea beetles will lay their eggs near the root crown of the leafy spurge. Once the larvae hatch, they will feed on the root system before pupating inside the root. In the spring they emerge as adults and the cycle starts over.
Leafy spurge is largely contained to the Pagosa Springs area, with infestation spanning from the Pagosa Lakes area into the Town of Pagosa Springs. There are satellite populations, which are a high priority for early detection and rapid response. In the thickest areas of infestation, the Weed and Pest Department has released the flea beetles as part of an integrated management plan.
Archuleta County Weed and Pest is your local resource for managing noxious weed populations and controlling other pests.
CPR and first aid classes
CPR and first aid certification classes are offered every other month at the CSU Extension office, generally on the second Monday and Wednesday from 6 to 10 p.m. The cost for the classes is $80 for combined CPR/first aid and $55 for CPR, first aid or recertification. Call the Extension office at (970) 246-5931 to register.
Check out the online option on our website, https://archuleta.extension.colostate.edu/.
