The Galerucella beetles, a biological control agent on purple loosestrife, emerged from hibernation at the Oak Orchard and Tonawanda Wildlife Management Areas during the first 10 days of May. By May 20, the insets had deposited approximately 20 percent of their eggs and were ready for movement. Transfer at this time insures that most of the eggs are deposited at the new release sites.

In 1999, 11 sites were selected in Orleans, Genesee and Erie Counties where releases of 100 inspects per site were made in May. These same sites were checked in May of 2000 and again in 2001 to determine if a Galerucella population of insects was established. At 10 of the 11 sites, adult beetles or eggs were found indicating that releases of 100 insects would be successful in establishing a population of beetles at 90 percent of the release sites.

Purple loosestrife invades wetland areas, upsetting the balance of those ecosystems.