Neohydronomus affinis Hustache
[Family: Curculionidae]
Scientific name Status: Previously incorrectly referred to as Neohydronomus pulcellus Hustache
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Neohydronomus affinis is a weevil that is released for the biological control of water lettuce. These weevils have a very short life cycle, approximately 30 days, which allows for quick establishment of populations. The adult weevils feed on the leaf, while the larvae attack the inside of the leaf.
Neohydronomus affinis, a weevil, is a native species of South America and was first introduced into Australia in the early 1980’s for the biological control of water lettuce. In Australia Neohydronomus affinis was extremely effective, reducing water lettuce infestation by40% or more within 12-18 months. This weevil was released in Texas in 1991 in test plots at Lake Dunlap, Guadalupe County. Additional releases of this weevil for research are currently being conducted in the Brazos Bend State Park.
This weevil is a biological agent for Water Lettuce.
Julien, M.H. Biological Control of Weeds, A World Catalogue of Agents and their Target Weeds. Third Edition. C.A.B. International. 1992.
Center, T.D., Cofrancesco, A.F., Balciunas, J.K. 1989. Biological control of wetland and aquatic weeds in the southeastern United States. Proceedings 7th International Symposium on Bioogical Control of Weeds, 239-262.
Dray, F.A. jr., Center, T.D.,Habeck, D.H.,Thompson, C.R., Cofrancesco,A.F., Balciunas, J.K. 1990. Release and establishment in the southeastern United States of Neohydronomus affinis, an herbivore of water lettuce. Envrionmental Entomology 19, 799-802.
