The pink-headed persicaria (Persicaria capitata; its former scientific name was Polygonum capitatum) is native to Asia and is an invasive plant in the Azores archipelago and many other places worldwide. It spreads quickly and covers even barren rock surfaces in very large densities, thus displacing native species. However, its little, pinkish flowers attract a wide range of insects, from little flies to bumblebees. We have (so far) identified fourteen flower-visiting insect species on Persicaria capitata and seen many other small flies and wasps, as well as two predatory flies (Scathophaga stercoraria and Coenosia tigrina).
Other common names of Persicaria capitata: pinkhead smartweed, pink knotweed, Japanese knotweed, pink bubble persicaria.
