Invasive Species
Introduction | Species Info | Teacher Materials | Resources
Species Information
Nutria
Scientific Name: Myocastor coypus
Common Name: Nutria
Nutria was introduced into Louisiana for its fur. Today, nutria have become an expensive pest because of the impact that their healthy vegetarian appetites and housing choices have on our canals and swamps.
Zebra Mussels
Scientific Name: Dreissena polymorpha
Common Name: Zebra Mussel
These small bivalves are a real problem in some freshwater byways. The little critters can plug up water intakes and change the ecosystem.
Learn more about Zebra Mussels >
Water Hyacinth
Scientific Name: Eichhornia crassipes
Common Name: Water Hyacinth
These water plants look beautiful along our bayous and in our swamps. But they form floating mats that cut off sunlight for other organisms and cause big problems for boaters, anglers and fish.
Learn more about Water Hyacinth >
Hydrilla or Water Thyme
Scientific Name: Hydrilla verticillata
Common Name: Hydrilla, Water Thyme
This submersed plant can grow to the water’s surface in all types of waterbodies. It forms dense vertical mats that can tangle in propellers and obstruct recreational boats, sometimes preventing angling and boating.