Knapweed Insectary Cache Traditional Cache
GeoCrater: I am regretfully archiving this cache since there's been no response from nor action by the cache owner within the time frame requested in the last reviewer note.
GeoCrater
Geocaching.com Community Volunteer Reviewer
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Difficulty:
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Size: 
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This educational cache is located on school grounds, which are open to public. The school administration has given permission for this activity. Please stay out of school buildings and away from school activities. Stay in the parking lot/training field areas. Please keep dogs on a leash.
This insectary is a place where weevils are grown for release. The knapweed root boring weevil (Cyphocleonus achates) is a weed-feeding insect introduce to the U.S. from Eurasia in 1987. This was done to decrease the population of spotted knapweed (accidently introduced from Eurasia many years ago) and create more native foliage for wildlife, livestock and natural beauty. Spotted knapweed is a noxious weed. Noxious weeds are plants that cause significance economic and/or environmental damage. Using the weevils to eat the spotted knapweed is a form of biological weed control. Biological control is the practice of importing and releasing for establishment, host specific natural enemies to control an exotic species. Knapweed is planted in these insectary gardens as food for the weevils. The metal flashing around the insectary beds acts as a corral to keep the weevils (who do not fly) in so they can be collected and released on knapweed infestations in the field. This is an interesting, educational and simple way to help solve this noxious knapweed problem through out beautiful Montana! See: http://mtwow.org/ [a web site built by Whitehall High School students all about noxious weeds in Montana and how to control them] http://mtwow.org/Cyphocleonus-achates-description.htm [a describtion of the knapweed root boring weevil] http://mtwow.org/knapweed-insectary.htm [a description of a knapweed insectary] Feel free to walk around the insectary gardens and look at this method of mass rearing a bio-agent. Who knows, you may see a weevil at work! It is really interesting to watch a female weevil lay an egg on the top of the tap root at the base of the host plant.
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(Decrypt)
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