Hypena opulenta, the biological control agent released to combat dog-strangling vine, has successfully established at the Ottawa release site. Caterpillars have been spotted during the summers of 2015, 2016 and 2017 and adults were caught at a blacklight trap in 2016. In 2017, caterpillars were observed in the Dominion Arboretum, 0.6 km from the release site. We suspect that some individuals may have gone even farther, but the numbers are still low overall, making it difficult for us to detect individuals. That's where we need your help! Please be on the lookout for the caterpillars, and let us know of any you see, by using the form on the page "Report Hypena opulenta sightings".
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