Predicting Population Intensity of Adult Neochetina eichhorniae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) from Incidence of Feeding on Leaves of Waterhyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes

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Abstract
Examination of data from Florida (United States) and Queensland (Australia) revealed a close relationship between numbers of adult waterhyacinth weevils ( Neochettna etchhomtae Warner) and the number of feeding scars on waterhyacinth leaves. Regression analysis produced nearly identical results for samples from both countries even though data collection techniques differed. The empirical formula I = 0.03665 0.775 , where I = weevils per plant and S = feeding scars per lamina, effectively predicted I for both countries. The errors associated with the prediction of weevil populations using this formula are discussed. This technique for estimating adult weevil populations is suitable for use in other regions where monitoring of biological control of waterhyacinth is undertaken; its application, advantages, and limitations are discussed.