The sometimes invasive and monotypic nature of Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. in North America has been the recent subject of great ecological debate and concern. While it is speculated that phragmites has been in the New World for thousands of years, only recently has this species become a threat to protected areas. Of particular interest to current conservation efforts are the recent findings of various insects,conducted during the summer of 1998 revealed the presence of several new species to North America (specifically Rhode Island and Connecticut). Among the most notable were gall inducing members of the genus Lipara (Diptera). Further investigations revealed the severity of damage to phragmites as a result of these gall flies (up to 80% of stems stunted and galled in one particular site).

Through the course of the semester the biology and ecology of members of the genus Lipara recently introduced to North America will be examined. A body of information regarding the ecology of the European Lipara community has previously been collected and examined. The focus of this study is to collect field data from phragmites sites in Connecticut. These data can then be used to compare the community structure as it exists in Connecticut (and perhaps New England/North America in general) against the native European community. These comparisons should yield valuable information regarding 1) the ecology of biological invasions (e.g. possible rapid evolution of introduced species) and 2) the affects these recently introduced species may have on phragmites in the New World (i.e. potential for biological control). More specifically the field work conducted over this semester will produce a useful data set including:

1.   A quantification of current (and potential future) affect of Lipara on Phragmites australis (e.g. percent stems galled, percent stem height/biomass reduction of galled stems, stem diameter preferences).

2.   Presence/absence data for Lipara sp. and additional insect herbivores of phragmites for sites of conservation and ecological interest (e.g. West River, Quinnipiac Watershed, and other sites per suggestion of CCWS, Connecticut Sea Grant, fellow researchers, and other interested parties).

3.   Collection of voucher specimens for museum records.

This project allows for an applied investigation in determining the potential impact of the genus Lipara on invasive stands of Phragmites australis as well as an evolutionary investigation to determine deviations in the ecology and general biology of these recent immigrants as compared to their European founders. The project will culminate in at least one scientific paper to be submitted to a peer-referred journal.

Sponsor: Dr. Charles Remington - F&ES 571b, Project in Insect Biology