The tamarisk leaf-eating beetle...

is my hero. The Mediterranean tamarisk beetle (Diorhabda elongata) was introduced along the Colorado River about ten years ago in an effort to biocontrol the spread of saltcedar in the riparian zone.

Macro shot of adult beetle, about 5 mm long.

Macro shot of adult beetle, about 5 mm long.

Macro image of one of three larval stages munching away on a tamarisk stem. Body length approximately 6-7 mm.

Macro image of one of three larval stages munching away on a tamarisk stem. Body length approximately 6-7 mm.