Watch CBS News

Student-Run Beetle-Rearing Lab Will Fight Air Potato Vine

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The first-ever student-run beetle-rearing lab will be in operation in South Florida.

Beetle
Adult Lilioceris cheni. Photograph by Ted D. Center, USDA/ARS Invasive Plant Research Laboratory, Fort Lauderdale, FL.

The lab is the first student-run facility in the United States that will breed the Liliceris cheni beetle to help combat the invasive Air Potato vine that is taking over many parks and neighborhood yards.

It will be at TERRA Environmental Research Institute on SW 84 Street.

The USDA Agricultural Research Service Invasive Plant Research Lab in Fort Lauderdale will provide "Adam" and "Eve" that will be the first beetles to be part of the student-run lab.

The lab is made possible by the Miami-Dade Parks' Natural Area Management Division, USDA and TERRA with a grant from State Farm Youth Advisory Board.

A dedication ceremony will be held May 28.

RELATED CONTENT:

 

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.