Alaska considers biological control

According to this story from Kenai Peninsula Online, researchers in Alaska are considering bringing in a parasitic wasp (Lathrolestes luteolator) to combat burgeoning populations of invasive leaf miners. The European leaf miners, including the amber marked leafminer (Profenusa thomsoni), have destroyed tens of thousands of acres of birch trees in the Anchorage bowl. The project, if approved, would begin next summer, and would be the first widespread biological control effort in Alaska. (Bonus points to the AP writer for using scientific names!) Go here to read another detailed article on the subject, from the Anchorage Daily News.