Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is a flowering plant that can reach 3’-7’ tall that is found in wetlands, lake and river shorelines, and ditches. The plants has a history of causing negative ecological impacts to wetlands and shorelines.

Extensive populations of the plants that were found throughout the state by the latter half of the 1900s have been brought down to a manageable level in most areas thanks to the tiny Galerucella sp.  beetle.

Careful research has shown that the "Cella" beetle does not threaten native plants or cause other issues. They provide long-term control of purple loosestrife by feeding on their leaves and shoots, reducing the amount of seeds the plant can produce.