Release and establishment of Megamelus scutellaris (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) on waterhyacinth in Florida

P.W. TIPPING; A.J. SOSA; E. POKORNY; J. FOLEY; D. SCHMITZ; J. LANE; L. RODGERS; L. MCLOUD; P. LIVINSTONG-WAY; M.COLE; G. NOCHOLS

FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST

FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGICAL SOC

Lugar: Nueva York; Año: 2014 vol. 97 p. 804 - 806

0015-4040

More than 73,000 Megamelus scutellaris (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) were released in Florida over a 2 to 3 yr period at 10 sites in an attempt to establish sustainable populations on waterhyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes Mart. Solms (Commelinales: Pontederiaceae). Insect populations persisted at most sites including those furthest north and consecutive overwintering was confirmed in as many as three times at some sites. Establishment appeared to be promoted at sites with some cover or shading compared to open areas. Insects readily dispersed over short distances which made detection and monitoring difficult