Niphograpta albiguttalis (Waterhyacinth Moth) is a small moth (6-10 mm long, 17-25 mm wingspan), native to South America, whose larvae feed on Water Hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes), which has become an aggressive aquatic weed in fresh waters of warmer parts of the world. Beginning in the 1960s, scientists surveyed the insect fauna associated with Water Hyacinth, looking for possible biocontrol insects. These insects were tested for feeding specificity and effectiveness Niphograpta albiguttalis, together with 2 weevils of the genus Neochetina were found to be good biocontrol candidates. Releases of N. albiguttalis were made at many locations in interior southern Florida and one near Tampa Bay in 1977 through 1979. This moth dispersed rapidly through the Florida Peninsula, becoming established in tidal fresh regions of the Peace River draining Charlotte Harbor, the Hillsborough and Manatee Rivers, tributaries of Tampa Bay, the Crystal River, and the lower St. Johns River, as well as many interior lakes and rivers by 1980 (Center 1984). It is also established in Mississippi and Louisiana. It was releasedin the San Francisco Bay Delta but did not become established. Niphograpta albiguttalis has been introduced to at least 12 countries in Asia, Australia, and Africa (Julien 2001).