Eurasian watermilfoil is an invasive aquatic plant that causes ecological and economic damage to an area.  It outcompetes native plants, reduces invertebrate diversity and can even result in anoxic zones within a lake.  Homeowners, lake associations and government agencies spend millions of dollars to control this hazardous weed.  In recent years, the problems caused by Eurasian watermilfoil have been exacerbated by its ability to form hybrids with the native, northern watermilfoil.  Hybrid species can be particularly insidious when they possess beneficial characteristics of both the native and invasive parent species.  One management technique to control Eurasian watermilfoil is the use of the native herbivore, the milfoil weevil.  This specialist insect prefers and grows better on the invasive Eurasian watermilfoil than on its native host northern watermilfoil and has successfully controlled Eurasian watermilfoil under specific circumstances.  However, the performance of the milfoil weevil on the hybrid milfoil is still being determined.  This summer, my lab group will investigate the performance of the milfoil weevil on native, invasive and hybrid milfoils.  This project will involve field work (swimming required) and laboratory work (patience and a keen eye).