Neohydronomus affinis

Hustache, 1926

Waterlettuce Weevil

Neohydronomus affinis is a subaquatic weevil native to South and Central America that has been deployed as a agent against the aquatic plant waterlettuce (Pistia stratiotes). First introduced to Florida in 1987, it has successfully established in peninsular Florida and Louisiana. The weevil's is covered in white and lacks water- features, an unusual trait for an insect living in aquatic environments.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Neohydronomus affinis: /ˌniːoʊhaɪˈdrɒnəməs əˈfɪnɪs/

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Habitat

Slow-moving streams, waterways, lakes, and rivers in tropical and subtropical regions. The weevil is subaquatic, living in association with floating mats of its plant waterlettuce. These mats form dense of connected rosettes that create the microhabitat where the weevil feeds and reproduces.

Distribution

Native to South and Central America. Introduced and established in peninsular Florida since 1987, with additional records from Louisiana. The has been documented in Brazil (Amazonas, Mato Grosso, Rio Grande do Sul), Colombia (Amazonas, Atlántico), and the conterminous United States.

Diet

Feeds exclusively on waterlettuce (Pistia stratiotes). All three in the Neohydronomus share this obligate association with waterlettuce.

Host Associations

Pistia stratiotes - exclusive plantfloating aquatic plant; in Florida

Ecological Role

agent of waterlettuce, an aquatic plant that forms dense floating mats. The presence of waterlettuce diminishes biological diversity and creates obstructions for boating, waterflow, and aquatic organisms. The weevil helps suppress waterlettuce in managed aquatic .

Human Relevance

Used intentionally as a agent to manage waterlettuce in Florida and other regions. Waterlettuce is listed as a Class II prohibited aquatic plant in Florida, and the weevil has been part of integrated management efforts since its introduction in 1987 at Torry Island and Kreamer Island at the south end of Lake Okeechobee.

Similar Taxa

Neohydronomus pulchelluscongeneric , also native to South and Central America, also associated exclusively with waterlettuce
Neohydronomus hostiscongeneric , third member of with identical association and native range