Colorado Department of Agriculture
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Tall larkspur

Biological Pest Control Program

TALL LARKSPUR (Delphinium occidentale )

Tall larkspur is a native plant and the biocontrol agent is also a native true bug, Hoplomachus affiguratus. This insect feeds on tall larkspur and the feeding damage makes the plant less palatable to cattle. This is good since tall larkspur is poisonous The goal of this program is not the elimination of tall larkspur but the inhibition of grazing by cattle. The program is small and arrangements for collection and redistribution can be made by calling the Insectary. These insects are not shipped out for general use.