Eccritotarsus catarinensis

Description

Eccritotarsus catarinensis is a species of plant bug from Santa Catarina, Brazil. It is a sap-feeding mirid that removes a considerable amount of chlorophyll from water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes, Pontederiaceae). E. catarinensis has been used as a biological control agent on water hyacinth in several African countries and China. E. catarinensis was considered for release in Australia, but rejected due to potential impact on native Monochoria vaginalis. E. catarinensis is being considered for release in the United States, as existing biological control agents have not yet controlled invasive water hyacinth.