Record of Herpetogramma bipunctalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae: Crambidae) on the invasive Alternanthera philoxeroides (Amaranthaceae) in Tamaulipas, Mexico

Abstract

Herpetogramma bipunctalis (Fabricius) is reported for the first time in Mexico as a defoliator agent of aquatic weed Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb. The specimens were collected in the Mexican margin of the Rio Grande in the municipality of Matamoros, Tamaulipas. Data on insect development until adulthood are presented. H. bipunctalis represents a potential use for biological control of this and other invasive weeds.