Loss of phytotelmata due to an invasive bromeliad-eating weevil and its potential effects on faunal diversity and biogeochemical cycles

► A weevil is killing the epiphytic tank bromeliad Tillandsia utriculata in Florida. ► We quantified the mortality rate of a weevil-infested T. utriculata population. ► We calculated the associated loss of tank water held by T. utriculata. ► In 6 months, 87% of the plants were destroyed; 3% remained at the end of the study. ► >16,000 L of water was lost; associated aquatic organisms will die or be displaced.