Cornops aquaticum

Cornops aquaticum is a semi-aquatic grasshopper that feeds almost exclusively on water hyacinth. This aggressive floating aquatic plant is the insect's primary host for both feeding and reproduction. Because the grasshopper relies entirely on water hyacinth, it is currently being studied as a biological control agent.

This species of grasshopper is native to the wetlands and waterways of South America. It thrives in tropical and subtropical environments where water hyacinth grows abundantly. Countries like Brazil and Argentina use its appetite for the plant as a natural weed management tool in local lakes.

Because of its strict diet of water hyacinth, scientists have introduced Cornops aquaticum to invasive zones, particularly in Africa, to manage the plant. The grasshoppers heavily defoliate the plants, slowing their rapid spread across lakes and rivers. This provides a more environmentally friendly alternative to chemical herbicides.

While they are categorized as semi-aquatic, these grasshoppers are highly mobile and can fly between water hyacinth patches. However, they are entirely dependent on the aquatic plant for survival and reproduction. If the water hyacinth in an area dies off, the grasshopper population will quickly collapse.