Environment Southland has unleashed a new ally in the fight against Chilean flame creeper, releasing leaf‑feeding beetles (Blaptea elguetai) at three Southland sites to take on one of the region’s most stubborn weeds.
The releases took place last Friday at three sites in Southland as part of a coordinated national biocontrol programme.
Biosecurity Team Leader – Plants, Jolie Hazley, said the release signalled the beginning of a long‑term, environmentally responsible approach to reducing the spread and impact of Chilean flame creeper (Tropaeolum speciosum).
“Chilean flame creeper has become a major threat to Murihiku Southland’s biodiversity. It grows rapidly, climbs high into forest canopies, and smothers native vegetation. By introducing a natural enemy of the plant, we’re giving nature a hand and adding another strategic tool to our pest management toolbox,” she said.
The beetle, approved for release by the Environmental Protection Authority in February, feeds on the leaves of Chilean flame creeper, reducing the plant’s vigour and limiting seed production. While it will not eradicate the weed, biocontrol is expected to suppress infestations to more manageable levels over time.
“Traditional control methods like hand-pulling and herbicide application are labour-intensive, difficult in steep or inaccessible terrain, and can also affect surrounding vegetation. Biocontrol provides a sustainable, long-term solution that works with the environment rather than against it.”
Other biocontrol agents are already hard at work in Southland, with insects released to control broom, ragwort and thistles.
Further beetle releases are planned across Aotearoa as additional rearing is completed.
“Seeing the first Southland releases take place is incredibly encouraging,” Jolie Hazley said. “It will take time for the beetle populations to establish and grow, but this is an important and positive step forward for our region’s native ecosystems.”
