Hydrotimetes natans as a suitable biological control agent for the invasive weed Cabomba caroliniana

•Cabomba caroliniana is a major invasive weed in several countries.•Hydrotimetes natans was identified as a biocontrol agent for C. caroliniana.•H. natans female laid 123.13 ± 23.03 eggs in 24 weeks.•Adult survival and reproductive periods were 235 ± 21 and 211 ± 35 days, respectively.•H. natans is adequately host-specific and it was approved for release in Australia.