Argentina-native
Guides
Goniozus legneri
Goniozus legneri is a gregarious larval ectoparasitoid wasp in the family Bethylidae, native to Argentina. It parasitizes concealed-feeding lepidopteran larvae and has been evaluated as a biological control agent for multiple agricultural pests including the European grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana), carob moth (Ectomyelois ceratoniae), codling moth (Cydia pomonella), tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta), and cactus moth (Cactoblastis cactorum). The species exhibits parental care behavior, with females guarding their brood for approximately four days. While it has shown promise in augmentative biological control programs, its effectiveness varies considerably depending on host species and rearing conditions.
Neochetina eichhorniae
Mottled Waterhyacinth Weevil, Mottled Water Hyacinth Weevil
Neochetina eichhorniae is a host-specific weevil native to Argentina and neighboring South American regions. It was introduced to Florida in 1972 as a biological control agent for the invasive aquatic weed water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and has since been established in more than three dozen countries worldwide. Adults feed on leaves and petioles, producing characteristic feeding scars, while larvae tunnel into petioles and the plant crown. The species has demonstrated substantial suppression of water hyacinth growth, reducing biomass, flower production, and water surface coverage.