This image is a map of Louisiana titled “MRB Range Expansion (2008–2025)”. The map illustrates the spread of the MRB range across Louisiana parishes over time. A color-coded legend identifies the year or period when each parish became part of the mapped range.

The earliest range, shown in gray and labeled 2008–2011, includes numerous parishes in southwestern Louisiana, such as Cameron, Calcasieu, Beauregard, and portions of surrounding areas. This indicates that the MRB range was initially concentrated in the southwest region of the state.

The range expanded during 2013–2014 (dark blue) into several additional parishes, including Allen, Evangeline, Acadia, and Vermilion in south-central Louisiana. During the same period, Catahoula and Concordia parishes in northeastern Louisiana were also included in the range.

Further expansion occurred during 2015–2017 (light purple), adding St. Landry Parish and Pointe Coupee Parish in central Louisiana, as well as portions of neighboring parishes.

In 2018 (orange), the range spread into Iberia Parish and St. Martin Parish in south-central Louisiana.

In 2020 (brown), the range expanded northward to include Rapides Parish and Avoyelles Parish.

In 2022 (green), St. Mary Parish along the south-central coast was added to the range.

In 2023 (yellow), the range expanded eastward into Iberville Parish.

The most recent expansion, shown in light blue and labeled 2024, includes Catahoula and Concordia parishes in northeastern Louisiana.

Several parishes surrounding the colored areas remain unshaded, indicating they were not included in the mapped MRB range during the period shown. These include parishes such as Vernon, Ascension, St. James, Terrebonne, Lafourche, East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana.

An inset map in the upper-left corner shows the location of the mapped area within Louisiana, highlighted by a red rectangle.

Overall, the map demonstrates a gradual expansion of the MRB range from an initial concentration in southwestern Louisiana during 2008–2011 outward into central, northeastern, and south-central portions of the state through 2024, illustrating how the affected area has grown over approximately 17 years.

The Mexican rice borer was first identified in Louisiana in 2008. Since that time, the insect has continued its eastward trek into the Louisiana sugar industry. In 2024, the Mexican rice borer was identified in Catahoula and Concordia parishes. For more detailed control of the Mexican Rice borer, access the Sugarcane Insect Control Guide.