Tansy ragwort(Senecio jacobeae) is a serious and persistent problem in pastures. Its main importance is due to its toxic properties to livestock, especially cattle. In 1981, known cattle deaths attributed to tansy ragwort in Prince Edward Island were estimated at 22-52 although many more were suspected (Harris et al. 1984). Similar numbers are expected for Nova Scotia, although many cattle deaths go unreported.

      The cinnabar moth (Tyria jacobaeae) was established in the Maritime Provinces in 1964. The weed has been controlled in the original release sites but has persisted in disturbed areas such as low lying pastures prone to flooding and in areas outside the release sites (Harris et al. 1984).

       Longitarsus jacobaeae was introduced into Prince Edward Island in 1978 and 1981 and introduced in New Brunswick in 1981. It has been recovered from those release sites (Harris et al., 1984). The insect was introduced in Durham, (Pictou County)and Great Village(Colchester County) Nova Scotia in 1984 and recovered in 1985 (Sampson, 1990). The 2004 survey has found L. jacobaeae to occur in Truro (Colchester County), New Glasgow (Pictou County)and Ohio (Antigonish County). It has been noted that two populations currently exist in Nova Scotia; a fall breeding population in and around Truro while the Pictou and Antigonish populations have shifted towards late June early July for adult feeding and breeding.

       Cochylis atricapitana was released in New Brunswick in 1990 (Harris 1991, personal communication). This ragwort-feeding moth has been released and considered established in NS and may be successful in suppressing the weed in areas where other insects are not currently effective. C. atricapitana is useful for areas with early winters, which curtail oviposition by the beetle L.jacobaeae.

C. atricapitana is the species of choice for the Canadian Maritimes (Harris, 2003).