Indiatimes iconIndiatimesSep 8, 2026

In 1973, Montana released a gall fly to control spotted knapweed; decades later...

Controlling invasive spotted knapweed biologically has initiated an unexpected ecological chain reaction. Gall flies, introduced as a control measure, have turned into a vital winter food source for deer mice, causing a surge in their populations and an uptick in hantavirus spread. Areas dense with knapweed report more

In 1973, Montana released a gall fly to control spotted knapweed; decades later...

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