Biological pest control predatory midge "Feltiella acarisuga", and a ladybird "Stethorus punctillum". The bug "Orius insidiosus" has been successfully used against the two-spotted spider mite and the western flower thrips ("Frankliniella occidentalis"). Predators including "Cactoblastis cactorum" (mentioned above) can also be used to destroy invasive plant species. As another example, the poison hemlock moth ("Agonopterix alstroemeriana)" can be used to control poison hemlock ("Conium maculatum"). During its larval stage, the moth strictly consumes its host plant, poison hemlock, and can exist at hundreds of larvae per individual host plant, destroying large swathes of the hemlock. Not all biological control agents are directed at
Privet as an invasive plant Privet as an invasive plant See also Privet. Privet refers to any of a number of shrubs or trees in the genus Ligustrum. The genus contains about 50 species native to the Old World and Australasia. Many members of the genus are grown as ornamental plants in parts of the world. Several species of privet have become a nuisance in regions outside its range. In these conditions it is most commonly found wherever there is disturbed soil, soil that is physically perturbed from its natural state through fire or mechanical machinery, such as along fencerows, old fields, ditches, and forest