ARS | Publication request: REDESCRIPTION OF MEGAMELLUS SCUTELLARIS BERG (HEMIPTERA: DELPHACIDAE), A CANDIDATE FOR BIOLOGICAL OF WATER HYACINTH

Submitted to: Annals of the Entomological Society of America
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: November 5, 2003
Publication Date: March 20, 2004
Citation: Sosa, A.J., Remse Lenicov, A., Marinani, R., Cordo, H.A. 2004. Redescription of megamellus scutellaris berg (hemiptera: delphacidae), a candidate for biological of water hyacinth. Annals of the Entomological Society of America. 97(2):271-275 (2004)

Interpretive Summary: The SABCL has conducted surveys searching for new biological agents of the aquatic weed water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes (Martius) Solms-Laubach (Pontederiaceae). Among the insects found, delphacids identified as Megamellus scutellaris Berg were the most abundant. As correct identification of a possible agent is essential in a Biological Control Program, and as male genitalia (genital structure morphology) are of critical importance in delphacid taxonomy (M. scutellaris was described in 1883 based only on one macropterous female -adult with developed wings) we redescribe the female of M. scutellaris and for the first time the description of the male is informed. In addition, we present some biological aspects of the species.

Technical Abstract: To detect biocontrol agents of the invasive aquatic weed Eichhornia crassipes (Martius) Solms-Laubach (Pontederiaceae), surveys were conducted in the basins of the Paraná and Uruguay rivers in Argentina and the basin of the Amazon river in Perú and Brazil. Among the captured delphacids, Megamelus scutellaris Berg was the most abundant. Berg originally described this species on the basis of a macropterous female. In this contribution, the macropterous and brachypterous male and the brachypterous female are described, and the holotype female is redescribed. Some biological aspects are recorded.