Water Hyacinth Moth
Common NameWater Hyacinth Moth
Scientific NameNiphograpta albiguttalis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)18
Primary Colorsyellowish-brown, dark brown, white
HabitatAquatic environments, ponds, lakes, slow-moving rivers where water hyacinth grows
Geographic RangeNative to Central and South America; introduced to North America, Africa, Asia, and Australia for biocontrol
Host PlantsEichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; multiple generations in warmer temperate zones
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are aquatic borers, feeding within the petioles and crowns of water hyacinth plants. Pupation occurs within the host plant.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive mottled brown and white pattern on the forewings, its small size, and its presence in areas with water hyacinth infestations.
Description
A small moth with mottled yellowish-brown and dark brown forewings, marked with irregular white spots and patches, and a somewhat paler hindwing.
