Larvae found only in association with "Pistia" species. Both are proving to be useful tools in the management of "Pistia". The center of origin of "Pistia stratiotes" is uncertain. The pupa is also attached to the pistia root with the serrated piercing siphon tube. Example include Pistia spp commonly called water lettuce, water cabbage or Nile cabbage. Pistia is a genus of aquatic plant in the arum family, Araceae. The moth "Samea multiplicalis" also uses "Pistia" as its primary host plant. In the Amazon basin, "Pistia" is a food source of freshwater turtles. "Pistia" is a common aquatic plant in the southeastern United States, particularly in Florida.