Megamelus scutellaris, the water hyacinth planthopper, is a true bug native to South America.

Populations have been recorded in Argentina, Brazil, Peru and Uruguay, and it is likely that the insect mirrors much of the distribution of its host plant, water hyacinth.

[1] It is primarily pale yellow to light brown in color with darker markings on the head and thorax.

Megamelus scutellaris is host-specific to water hyacinth, and has been introduced as a herbivore agent for the biological control of the noxious weed, causing damage to the plants and inhibiting their growth and reproduction.

[5] Under extensive feeding pressure, the plants may eventually succumb, causing them to sink and consequently leading to a decline in the water hyacinth population.