description Aquatic Grasshopper (Cornops aquaticum) Overview
Cornops aquaticum is a semiaquatic grasshopper species native to South America. It is characterized by its specialized ecological relationship with water hyacinths, which serve as the insect's primary habitat and food source. Due to its specific diet, this acridid insect has been studied and utilized as a biological control agent to manage invasive water hyacinth populations in various aquatic ecosystems outside its native range.
help Aquatic Grasshopper (Cornops aquaticum) FAQ
What does Cornops aquaticum eat?
Cornops aquaticum feeds mainly on water hyacinth, especially Eichhornia crassipes, and other plants in the Pontederiaceae family. Field studies have also recorded feeding on Eichhornia azurea and, more rarely, Pontederia cordata.
Why is the aquatic grasshopper considered for biological control?
Its semiaquatic life cycle and strong dependence on water hyacinth can damage the plant where it has become invasive. Cornops aquaticum has been released for biological control research in South Africa.
Where is Cornops aquaticum native?
The species is native to the Neotropical region of South America and is associated with floating aquatic vegetation. Adults and nymphs live around the water hyacinth plants they feed on.
Is Cornops aquaticum a fully aquatic insect?
No. It is a semiaquatic grasshopper, so it lives on and around aquatic plants rather than underwater. Its unusual habitat relationship is tied to water hyacinth and related plants.
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