South American weevils released in UK waterways to tackle invasive weed

Non-native bugs will be first attempt at using biocontrol on floating pennywort, after years of research

South American weevils have been released into Britain's waterways by the government in order to tackle the invasive species floating pennywort.

The industrious bugs are being heralded as a hope to cut back the weed, which grows rapidly and blankets rivers and canals, drowning out the light and choking the life within.