South-american-native
Guides
Gratiana boliviana
Tropical Soda Apple Leaf Beetle, TSA tortoise beetle
Gratiana boliviana is a tortoise beetle (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) native to South America that was introduced to Florida in 2003 as the first biological control agent against tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum), a prickly invasive shrub. The beetle is highly host-specific and has established successfully in Florida, reducing weed density and fruit production through defoliation. Over 250,000 beetles were released across Florida from 2003 to 2011. The beetle cannot complete development on native North American Solanum species or crop plants like eggplant, making it a relatively safe biocontrol choice. Cold sensitivity limits its northward establishment potential.
Listroderes costirostris
vegetable weevil
Listroderes costirostris, commonly known as the vegetable weevil, is a weevil species in the family Curculionidae. It is native to southern South America but has been introduced to multiple continents. The species is recognized as a significant agricultural pest with a broad host range that includes vegetables and weeds. It has established populations in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
Neochetina
water hyacinth weevil, waterhyacinth weevils
Neochetina is a genus of weevils native to South America, comprising at least two species: N. eichhorniae (mottled water hyacinth weevil) and N. bruchi (chevroned water hyacinth weevil). Both species are highly host-specific biological control agents used worldwide to manage invasive water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). The genus has been introduced to over 30 countries including the United States, where releases began in Florida in 1972 (N. eichhorniae) and 1974 (N. bruchi).