Between 1969 and 1972, US released a weevil to fight musk thistle; it later attacked native thistles

A biological control initiative aimed at managing invasive thistles integrated a weevil specifically targeting musk thistle. Unfortunately, this insect extended its reach to native plant species, leading to detrimental effects on local thistles, including an endangered variety that experienced a decline in seed production. This situation underscores the critical importance of careful evaluation in invasive species control programs.