Puncturevine (the weed commonly known as @%#&@!! goatheads) is found throughout the Western United States. While almost universally despised, there are a few species of weevils that feed on it exclusively.
Those weevils are numerous in southern New Mexico but found in smaller numbers further north. With funding from the Western Integrated Pest Management Center, New Mexico State University researcher Kristen Bowers is conducting experiments to see if the weevils from southern New Mexico can tolerate colder climates. If so, they could be shipped north, boosting weevil populations and enhancing natural biocontrol to reduce puncturevine density and slow its spread.
