Why should you care
"Exotic," "alien" or "non-native" species refer to plants, animals, fungi or other organisms that have been accidentally or purposefuly introduced to an area outside of their origin. Exotic species can come from another continent, another part of a country or even from another watershed. Organisms evolve with other species that moderate their population (for example, plant pests and diseases). When an organism is taken out of its original environment and placed in another, species that help keep it in check may not be a part of this new environment. For example, sericea lespedeza, an Asian plant purposfully planted along roadsides in Missouri to prevent erosion, has no natural predators here and spreads aggressivlely, often displacing native plants. The success of exotic species often means a drop in the diversity of native species and degradation of wild areas in Missouri.
Next Generation of Conservation
Talk About Plants and Animals
Missouri is home to a rich array of animals and plants. Find out what they’re up to, what you can do to conserve them and more. Comments welcome!
Species to look out for
- Zebra Mussels
- Zebra mussels and a related species, quagga mussels, are fingernail-sized black-and-white striped bivalve mollusks native to the Caspian Sea region of Asia. They came to North American waters in international shipping ballast water and were discovered in Lake St. Clair near Detroit in 1988.
- Asian Longhorned Beetle
- In recent years, the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) and other wood-boring beetles have been entering North America in solid wood packing material from Asia. Some of these insects have the potential to become very serious pests of North American forests.
- Gypsy Moths
- The gypsy moth was introduced to the East Coast in 1869 and since then has been spreading slowly westward. When it arrives, the gypsy moth will be especially devastating to Missouri forests because one of its favorite foods is oak leaves.
- Rusty Crayfish
- The rusty crayfish is native to parts of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Michigan but has spread to other
states or areas where it can cause problems for other animals and plants. Rusty crayfish were probably spread by anglers who transported them for use as fishing bait. - Common and Cut-leaved Teasel
- Like many of our problem weeds, teasel is an exotic plant that is native to Europe. It was introduced to North America, possibly as early as the 1700s, because the prickly stem was used in the textile industry to raise the nap of cloth. Teasel’s unusual—and by some perspectives, attractive— flower heads have led to its use as a horticultural plant, in flower arrangements and in the craft trade.
- More invasive species
