Neochetina bruchi (weed bioagent)
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Author(s): Willey Durden, USDA Agricultural Research Service
Source: IPM Images
Neochetina bruchi (weed bioagent) (Hustache, 1926)
This semiaquatic weevil is native to southern parts of South America (Argentina and surrounding countries). It was released into North America in the 1970s (and subsequently into various other countries) against the invasive water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes. In most release areas, it became readily established and is considered to be one of the most important biological control agents of this weed.
The adult females are around 4½ mm long, the males about 3½ mm. The colour is brownish with some lighter patches. The adults feed on water hyacinth leaves and lay eggs inside the leaf petioles. The larvae feed and develop inside the petiole. When mature they pupate in the water near the roots. One generation lasts between 6 weeks and 3 months.
