South American weevils released in UK waterways to tackle invasive weed

The South American weevil’s impact, establishment and spread will be closely monitored, said the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International. Photograph: CABI

South American weevils have been released into Britain’s waterways by the government in order to tackle the invasive species floating pennywort.

The industrious bugs are being heralded as a hope to cut back the weed, which grows rapidly and blankets rivers and canals, drowning out the light and choking the life within.