Researchers hunt for invasive insect in Louisiana rice fields

Mădălin Mihai

(6 Feb 2026) RESTRICTION SUMMARY: ASSOCIATED PRESS Rayne, Louisiana - 22 January 2026 1. Detail of rice delphacid specimens under a microscope 2. Macro detail of rice delphacid specimens ++PARTIALLY COVERED++ 3. SOUNDBITE (English) Tyler Musgrove, rice extension specialist, Louisiana State University: "The rice delphacid is one of those insects we call a plant hopper. It has piercing, sucking mouth parts and they use that to stab the plant and remove nutrients and sap from the plant. The last