Herbivorous Insects Associated withLudwigia peploides(Onagraceae) in the Southern United States

Abstract

The wetland plant Ludwigia peploides (floating primrose-willow) often is problematic in the southern USA, as well as elsewhere in its introduced range. Surveys to identify potential herbivorous insects to use as biological controls have focused on South America, but implementing a management program with foreign insects in the USA is difficult and can take years of testing in quarantine. During 2006–2008, populations of floating primrose-willow were surveyed in the southern USA to determine presence and extent of native herbivorous insects. At least nine species were identified, represented mainly by weevils (Curculionidae) and leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae). Of these, two were undescribed species of weevils (Auleutes), and six species, including Tyloderma sphaerocarpae and Chaetocnema, have never been associated with floating primrose-willow.