Chevroned Waterhyacinth Weevil
Neochetina bruchi
This record describes Neochetina bruchi (species). Recorded family: Brachyceridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Introduced intentionally into FL in 1974 to combat Eichhornia crassipes ; native to Argentina and bordering countries
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Brachyceridae
- Subfamily
- Erirhininae
- Genus
- Neochetina (Waterhyacinth Weevils)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
coastal habitats
Geographic Range
introduced into the se US (e.TX-FL-SC) & CA - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host: Water Hyacinth ( Eichhornia crassipes , Pontederiaceae) ( 3 )
Life History
Eggs hatch in 7-17 days, depending on temperature. Three instars, larval stages take from 36 to 90 days; reports vary. Larvae feed and develop in the petioles. Fully grown larvae move to the water, build a cocoon and pupate near roots, from which they probably take oxygen. Adults are nocturnal. Females lay about 200 eggs.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Neochetina bruchi Hustache 1926
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Neochetina bruchi. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Chevroned Waterhyacinth Weevil (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Chevroned Waterhyacinth Weevil
What is Chevroned Waterhyacinth Weevil?
Chevroned Waterhyacinth Weevil (Neochetina bruchi) is a species in the family Brachyceridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Chevroned Waterhyacinth Weevil?
♂ 3.5-4.5 mm, ♀ 4.1-5.0 mm
Where is Chevroned Waterhyacinth Weevil found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | coastal habitats |
| Range | introduced into the se US (e.TX-FL-SC) & CA - Map |
What does Chevroned Waterhyacinth Weevil eat?
The diet of the Chevroned Waterhyacinth Weevil includes host: Water Hyacinth ( Eichhornia crassipes , Pontederiaceae) ( 3 ).
What is the life cycle of a Chevroned Waterhyacinth Weevil?
Eggs hatch in 7-17 days, depending on temperature. Three instars, larval stages take from 36 to 90 days; reports vary. Larvae feed and develop in the petioles. Fully grown larvae move to the water, build a cocoon and pupate near roots, from which they probably take oxygen. Adults are nocturnal. Females lay about 200 eggs.