Release and Establishment of Megamelus scutellaris (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) on Waterhyacinth in Florida

Authors

  • Philip W. Tipping USDA-ARS Invasive Plant Research Laboratory, 3225 College Ave., Davie, Florida 33314
  • Alejandro Sosa FUEDEI Simón Bolívar 1559, Hurlingham (B1686EFA), Buenos Aires
  • Eileen N. Pokorny USDA-ARS Invasive Plant Research Laboratory, 3225 College Ave., Davie, Florida 33314
  • Jeremiah Foley USDA-ARS Invasive Plant Research Laboratory, 3225 College Ave., Davie, Florida 33314
  • Don C. Schmitz Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 3900 Commonwealth Blvd. MS 705, Tallahassee, Florida 32399
  • Jon S. Lane U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 701 San Marco Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida 32207
  • Leroy Rodgers South Florida Water Management District, 3301 Gun Club Rd., West Palm Beach, Florida 33406
  • Lori Mccloud St. Johns River Water Management District, 4049 Reid Rd., Palatka, Florida 32178-1429
  • Pam Livingston-Way St. Johns River Water Management District, 4049 Reid Rd., Palatka, Florida 32178-1429
  • Matthew S. Cole St. Johns River Water Management District, 4049 Reid Rd., Palatka, Florida 32178-1429
  • Gary Nichols St. Johns River Water Management District, 4049 Reid Rd., Palatka, Florida 32178-1429

Keywords:

Megamelus scutellaris, Eichhornia crassipes, establishment

Abstract

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.

 

Se libararon más de 73,000 Megamelus scutellaris (Berg) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) en la Florida durante un período de 2 a 3 años en 10 sitios en un intento por establecerse poblaciones sostenibles sobre el jacinto de agua, Eichhornia crassipes Mart. Solms (Commelinales: Pontederiaceae). Las poblaciones de estos insectos se mantuvieron en la mayoría de los sitios, incluyendo la región del norte más lejana y la invernación a través de años consecutivos fue confirmada hasta 3 veces en algunos sitios. El establecimiento parecía ser promovido en sitios por tener un poco de cubierta o sombreado en comparación con las áreas abiertas. Los insectos se dispersan fácilmente en distancias cortas lo que hizo difícil la detección y el seguimiento.

 

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Published

2014-06-21

Issue

Vol. 97, No. 2 (June 2014)

Section

Scientific Notes

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