Virginia Invasive Species

Invasive Species Profiles

Introduction

The following descriptions represent a diverse range of invasive organisms. The species included in this list meet one or more of the following criteria:

Early Detection Plant Species 

 

Report discovery of these species immediately! > >

In this section are examples of invasive species not yet established in Virginia. Prevention is the key strategy for managing these species, sometimes referred to as "early detection" species. If found before becoming established in Virginia, the goal is to target them for rapid response. With sufficient resources, eradication may be possible for early arrivals.

two-horned trapa Two-horned Trapa

 

two-horned trapa Callery Pear

 

giant salvinia Giant Salvinia

 

waterwheel plant Waterwheel Plant

 

water hyacinth Water Hyacinth

 

Water Primrose Primrose Willow

 

water spinach Water Spinach

 

beach vitex Beach Vitex

 

cogon grass Cogon Grass

 

giant hogweed Giant Hogweed

 

tropical soda apple Tropical Soda Apple 

 

Early Detection Animal Species

 

Report discovery of these species immediately! > >

spotted lanternfly Spotted Lanternfly

 

zebra mussel Zebra Mussel

 

Sirex Wood Wasp Sirex Wood Wasp

 

Rusty Crayfish Rusty Crayfish

 

Chinese Mitten Crab Chinese Mitten Crab

 

Early Detection Fungal Species

Sudden Oak Death Sudden Oak Death / Ramorum Blight

 

Recently Established Species

These species have recently become established in Virginia. Management efforts are aimed at slowing the spread.

wavyleaf grass Wavyleaf Grass

 

Emerald Ash Borer Emerald Ash Borer

 

Chinese Mitten Crab Northern Snakehead Fish

 

Priority Species for Management

The species in this section are are established in Virginia. Ongoing monitoring, control, and management are the key strategies.

Tree of Heaven Tree-of-heaven

 

feral swine Feral Swine

 

Japanese Stilt Grass Japanese Stilt Grass

 

Rapa Whelk Rapa Whelk

 

Imported Fire Ant Imported Fire Ant

 

Phragmites Phragmites