Niphograpta

Warren, 1892

water hyacinth moth

Species Guides

1

Niphograpta is a of crambid established by Warren in 1892. The sole , Niphograpta albiguttalis, commonly called the water hyacinth moth, has been widely introduced outside its native range as a agent for the aquatic plant water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). The genus is notable for its specialized ecological role and successful establishment in multiple continents.

CSIRO ScienceImage 2703 Waterhyacinth weevil Neochetina bruchi by Entomology, CSIRO. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Niphograpta: //ˌnɪfoʊˈɡræptə//

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Distribution

Native to the Amazon basin. Introduced to North America (Florida, Gulf Coast to Louisiana and Texas), Africa, and Australia (Queensland and New South Wales).

Host Associations

  • Eichhornia crassipes - primary water hyacinth; sole known plant

Ecological Role

agent for water hyacinth .

Human Relevance

Intentionally introduced to multiple continents for of water hyacinth, an aquatic weed that obstructs waterways and disrupts aquatic . The has been established as part of integrated management programs.

More Details

Monotypic genus

Niphograpta contains only one described , Niphograpta albiguttalis.

Wingspan

The sole has a wingspan of 18–21 mm.

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Sources and further reading