Descriptions of Sameodes albiguttalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Life Stages with Key to Lepidoptera Larvae on Waterhyacinth1

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Abstract
Sameodes albiguttalis (Warren), a South American pyralid species, has been released in the United States for biological control of waterhyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms., and is now well established in the Southeast. The egg, 5th instar, pupa, and adult are described and illustrated. The five S. albiguttalis larval instars are best separated by head capsule measurements and head color. Other lepidopterous larvae commonly found on waterhyacinth are usually other pyralids, noctuids, or arctiids. Another pyralid, Samea multiplicalis, is the only species easily confused with S. albiguttalis. The diagnostic characters useful for identifying S. albiguttalis include the dark orange head, the distinct pinacula, the distinct anal proleg plate, and the pale yellowish to cream body color.