LDWF Releases Nearly 50,000 Giant Salvinia Weevils into Saline-Larto Complex to Help Combat Giant Salvinia

Baton Rouge, Aug 12, 2026 - The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) recently completed its second release of giant salvinia weevils into the Saline-Larto Complex as part of the department's integrated pest management strategy to combat the invasive aquatic plant giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta).

LDWF Inland Fisheries personnel released a total of 48,380 giant salvinia weevils during two separate releases at five locations throughout the complex. The first release stocked 35,960 weevils, followed by a second release of 12,420 weevils in the Open Bayou portion of the complex.

The giant salvinia weevil (Cyrtobagous salviniae) is a host-specific biological control insect that feeds exclusively on giant salvinia. Both adult weevils and their larvae damage the plant by feeding on its leaves, buds, and rhizomes, reducing plant vigor and slowing its spread. While biological control alone rarely eliminates giant salvinia, established weevil populations can significantly suppress plant growth and complement herbicide applications.

Biological control is an important component of our integrated management strategy. By combining biological control with targeted herbicide applications, water level management, where feasible, and routine monitoring, we can provide more sustainable, long-term management of giant salvinia while reducing treatment costs and maintaining public access to Louisiana's waterways.

The Saline-Larto Complex is one of several waterbodies where LDWF has established giant salvinia weevil populations as part of its statewide aquatic invasive species management program. Staff will continue monitoring both the weevil populations and giant salvinia throughout the growing season to evaluate establishment success and determine future management needs.

For further information about the Saline-Larto Complex, please see the management plan at https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/resources/category/freshwater-inland-fish/inland-waterbody-management-plans.

For Saline-Larto vegetation related questions contact Kane Finkbeiner, LDWF Aquatic Plant Control Biologist Manager, at (318)-362-3089 or wfinkbeiner@wlf.la.gov. For Saline-Larto fisheries related questions, contact Shelby Richard, LDWF Biologist Manager, at (318) 487-5352 or srichard@wlf.la.gov.