The eucalyptus tortoise beetle

The eucalyptus tortoise beetle, Trachymela sloanei is one of the many invasive pests that we now deal with on turf, landscapes and agriculture. Pests that are accidentally imported from outside the country and then become widespread enough to cause economic, environmental or ecological problems, invasive pests typically arrive in their new locations without the natural enemies that help keep them in check in their native country. As a result, they spread rapidly. Some of the more famous of the U.S.'s…