Niphograpta albiguttalis (Warren, 1889)
(previously known as : Sameodes albiguttalis)
Water Hyacinth Borer
 SPILOMELINI   ,     PYRAUSTINAE   ,     CRAMBIDAE

Don Herbison-Evans ( donherbisonevans@yahoo.com )
and
Stella Crossley & Bart Hacobian


(oops: no antennae on this one)

This species has been introduced deliberately into Australia, as it was into Florida. The Caterpillars feed and pupate by boring into the shoots and leaves of:

  • Water Hyacinth ( Eichhornia crassipes, PONTEDERIACEAE ),

    which is a serious problem on tropical waterways.


    (oops : no abdomen either on this one)
    (Specimen: courtesy of The Australian Museum)

    The adult moth has brown forewings with a complex light and dark pattern. The hindwings are yellow with a broad brown patterned margin.

    The species is found now in Queensland and New South Wales in Australia.

    Further reading :

    Ian F.B. Common,
    Moths of Australia, Melbourne University Press, 1990, p. 72.

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    (updated 21 March 2008)