Leaf Miners: the Unexpected Conservation Heroes

Forget whatever you’ve heard about leaf miners, these common garden pests are little wonders that may be holding up an entire ecosystem! Head over to Hawaii with us to check out how these tiny creatures can have a big impact on conservation.

What can a common garden pest have to do with preserving fragile ecosystems on the islands of Hawaii? There are some astounding connections out there in the wild. Those leaf miners (little larvae that munch their way through leaves) that are destroying your precious pepper plants have some tropical cousins who are key to the survival of an entire species! Here’s your dose of wonder.

By Sam Burns

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