The Center for Invasive Species Research
CISR: Leading the Fight Against Invasive Species in California
Every 60 days, California gains a new and potentially damaging invasive species. This rate of invasion results, on average, in six new species establishing in California each year. Economic loses to California from invasive species are estimated at $3 billion per year. The unique climate and geography of California provides diverse ecosytems which are perfect for the establishment of a diverse variety of new pests. CISR's researchers lead the way to determine how pests enter California, where invading populations came from and why these pests are successful in establishing California as their home. Learn more about the CISR program
Red Alert!
Laurel Wilt and Redbay Ambrosia Beetle
First found in
Georgia, these non-native pest threaten to spread throughout the US to
all members of the Lauraceae family. The Redbay Ambrosia Beetle is not
the true problem, but the fungus it carries: Laurel Wilt. As the fungus
grows, it destroys the food and water conduction system, eventually
killing the tree. Damage to infested trees are identifiable by the
emergence of saw dust tooth picks that radiate from the trunks and
branches caused by the Redbay Ambrosia Beetle and Laural Wilt...
Spotlight: The Brown Widow Spider
The Brown Widow Spider does have an hourglass but it is typically an orange shade rather than the vivid red of a black widow. The brown widow looks similar to immatures of the western black widow spider, the latter of which has smaller black spots on the top of the diagonal abdominal stripes and more olive grey background coloration. Being able to discern brown widows from immature black widows is therefore difficult and requires some experience.
Read more about the The Brown Widow Spider
New Invasive Species on CISR
Red Bugs
Red Bugs feed on urban vacant lots and weedy fields. Most commonly, they feed upon developing or mature seeds and seed pods.....
The Goldspotted Oak Borer
The Goldspotted Oak Borer was first detected in 2004 in San Diego Co., by the CDFA during a survey for exotic woodborers...
Redbay Ambrosia Beetle
The redbay ambrosia beetle was first detected in Georgia. The beetle was likely introduced in untreated wooden packing material, such as crates....
Spotted Wing Drosohila
This fly causes economic damage in berry crops, fresh cherries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries and perhaps grapes...
FAQ's about Invasive Species
What are invasive species?
Invasive species, alien species, exotic pests, bio-pollution, non-indigenous species, or invasive alien species, are common names that categorize non-native animals, microbes, diseases, or plants that are pests. These pests are not native in areas in which they cause problems and they are considered "invasive" because they invade new areas and the resulting invasion causes economic or environmental problems. Read more invasive species FAQ's
Where do invasive species come from?
Invasive species are often native to a country or area different to that in which they have invaded and are now causing problems. On average, California acquires around six invasive species per year, this is a rate of one new species every 60 days. Hawaii and Florida acquire new species at a round of around 15 per year. Read more invasive species FAQ'sWhy are invasive species a problem?
Invasive species cause a wide diversity of economic and environmental problems which almost always arise from uncontrolled population growth and spread in the area which has been invaded. Economic problems arise from the costs required to control invasive species, to reduce their rate of spread, or the need to inspect agricultural products that are being exported that may accidentally move the invasive pest to a new area. Read more invasive species FAQ's