Hymenachne-amplexicaulis
Guides
Ischnodemus variegatus
myakka bug
Ischnodemus variegatus, commonly known as the myakka bug, is a true bug in the family Blissidae native to Central and South America. The species was first recorded in Florida in 2000, where it was discovered feeding on the invasive West Indian marsh grass (Hymenachne amplexicaulis) in Myakka River State Park. It has been extensively studied as a potential biological control agent for this invasive wetland weed due to its high host specificity. The bug is small, with females reaching about 7 mm and males about 6 mm in length, and produces a noxious scent when disturbed.