Texas by Nature

Invasive Species

Go deeper into the wild world of Texas−learn about the invasive species that define our state.

African RueAfrican rue, a thick, brushy shrub with distinctive five-petal flowers, is an invasive species threatening the livestock, willdlife and ecology of the American Southwest. © Dr. Billy Warrick
African Rue

This fast-spreading exotic plant is poisonous to Texas livestock and wildlife. Learn more

SuckerfishA "pleco" or suckerfish attached to an aquarium wall. If released into the wild, the armored catfish and other plecos can wreak havoc on native ecosystems. © Pardee Ave/Flickr CC
Armored Catfish

These popular aquarium denizens pose a serious threat to native Texas species. Learn more

Brown Tree SnakeGrowing up to eight feet in length, the brown tree snake is a threat to birds and other animals wherever it spreads. © The Nature Conservancy
Brown Tree Snake

This reptilian menace poses a serious threat to native bird species. Learn more

BuffelgrassBuffelgrass is capable of outcompeting native plants for precious resources and can fuel dangerous wildfires. © Barry Rice/The Nature Conservancy
Buffelgrass

This beastly grass outcompetes native plants for resources and creates more dangerous wildfires. Learn more

Chinese tallow seeds unripenedAlthough Chinese tallow can spread by the root system, seeds, such as the unripened ones seen here, are the tree's primary cause of proliferation. © The Nature Conservancy
Chinese Tallow Tree

Gulf Coast landowners' help is needed to halt the spread of this invasive plant. Learn more

Elephant EarsThe distinctive, large, green leaves known as elephant ears. © Toby Alter/Flickr Creative Commons
Elephant Ears

This troublesome invasive is one plant Texas would do well to forget. Link needed

Giant Salvinia at Caddo LakeGiant salvinia -- seen here blanketing the waters of Caddo Lake -- is more than just a nuisance for Texas anglers and boaters. It threatens the very survival of native plant and animal species. © Jack Canson
Giant Salvinia

Caddo Lake is latest Texas body of water under siege from invasive fern. Learn more

Hydrilla tangles an outboard motorHydrilla mats are a nuisance to boaters and a serious threat to the quality of Texas freshwater and the diversity of life our rivers, streams and lakes support. © Louisiana Sea Grant College Program/Flickr Creative Commons
Hydrilla

Landowners and boaters are urged to be vigilant to halt the spread of "the world's worst weed." Learn more

Cactus MothInvasive species, such as the cactus moth larva seen here, have caused billions of dollars in loss nationally.
Invasive Species Month

Public awareness is critical in the fight against invasive plant and animal species. Learn more

Red imported fire antThe devilish red imported fire ant at work. © LOLren/FLickr Creative Commons
Red Imported Fire Ants

This invasive ant is a pain in the feet and pocketbooks of Texans. Learn more

SnakeheadWith pronounced teeth and the potential to grow to staggering lengths, the snakehead has little trouble becoming the apex predator of whichever river it invades. © Arkansas Game
Snakehead

This menacing fish poses a serious threat to America's rivers. Learn more

Tamarisk (salt cedar)Invasive tamarisk blankets a river corridor. © The Nature Conservancy
Tamarisk

This harmful invasive threatens the health of Texas riparian areas. Learn more

Tree of HeavenThe Tree of Heaven sports distinctive lance-shaped leaves. © Derek Markham/Flickr CC
Tree of Heaven

This destructive tree is heavenly in name only. Learn more

Tropical Soda AppleThe thorny stems and telltale 'apples' of the tropical soda apple. © The Nature Conservancy
Tropical Soda Apple

One bad apple can spoil the whole state. Learn more

Cactus MothInvasive species, such as the cactus moth larva seen here, have caused billions of dollars in loss nationally.
Cactus Moth Imperils Texas Wildlife

Landowners are urged to look for signs of invasive species. Learn more

Crazy AntAlthough small in size, crazy ants colonize by the millions and can wreak havoc on wildlife and personal property. © Mike Quinn/TexasEnto.Net
Crazy Ants

These troublesome pests are spreading across the Gulf Coast and into San Antonio. Learn more

A Feral HogThis feral hog — one of the estimated 1.5 million roaming Texas — shows coloring typical of a domestic pig on the body type of a wild animal. © Peter French
Feral Hogs

Irksome ungulates have overrun much of Texas. Learn more

Emerald ash borerJust a half-inch long, the iridescent Emerald ash borer is capable of destroying entire ecosystems. © David Cappaert/USDA
Emerald Ash Borer

This Asian beetle threatens millions of trees throughout the United States. Learn more

FirewoodWhen camping, purchase firewood from within a 50-mile radius of your site to prevent the spread of harmful invasive insects and pathogens. © Richard Smith/Flickr Creative Commons
Safe Firewood

Burning locally harvested firewood can help prevent the spread of harmful invasive insects. Learn more

Zebra MusselsZebra mussels cling to native vegetation and colonize in quantities that threaten native wildlife and jeopardize industrial infrastructure. © The Nature Conservancy
Zebra Mussels

Invading shellfsh pose a threat to Texas' wildlife, ecology and economy. Learn more

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