Where does the cactus moth live?
Cactoblastis cactorum, the cactus moth, South American cactus moth or nopal moth, is native to Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and southern Brazil. It is one of five species in the genus Cactoblastis that inhabit South America, where many parasitoids and pathogens control the expansion of the moths’ population.
Where is the cactus moth invading?
Prickly pear invaders The cactus moth is a predator of prickly pear in its native home of Argentina. It was distributed by humans into the Caribbean in 1959. Since then, it has expanded its territory slowly through Cuba and Florida, and most recently Louisiana and Texas.
How did the cactus moth get to Texas?
The cactus moth island-hopped from the Caribbean to Florida about 30 years ago. After it started to spread toward Texas, UT Austin’s invasive species research team began preparing for its arrival by studying its natural enemies with collaborator Patricia Folgarait in Argentina.
How do cactus moths spread?
Female moths lay on average 70-90 eggs in a distinctive stick-like formation that protrudes from the cactus pad. Adult moths emerge from cocoons to disperse into new areas and repeat the reproductive process. Adults only live for 9 days on average, but, as airborne organisms, can spread fair distances in a short time.
What do cactus moths do?
The South American cactus moth (Cactoblastis cactorum) has been highly beneficial in weed control, clearing more than 150 million ha (60 million acres) in Australia of alien prickly pear cactus. Doubtless, humans also benefit from much unrecognized weed eating by caterpillars and flower pollination by adults.
What does a cactus moth look like?
Appearance. The cactus moth is grayish-brown in color with dark spots and wavy lines on its wings. The hindwings are whitish with long and thin antennae and legs. As larvae, cactus moths are a bright orange-red in color with bands of large spots that become more distinct over time.
How do you keep cactus moths away?
Cactus moth control techniques include removal of infested host cacti or the release of sterile moths. Host plant removal entails the sanitation and elimination of all Opuntia plants from an area and should only be used in certain circumstances.
What does the cactus moth do?
How do I get rid of cactus moths?
What do cactus moths eat?
The cactus moth was introduced into Australia from Argentina in 1925 as a biological control measure against the prickly pear cactus. Laetilia coccidivora is an unusual caterpillar in that it is predatory, feeding on the eggs and young of scale insects.
What is the size of a cactus moth?
Females of Cactoblastis cactorum have a wingspan of 27-40mm, whilst male wingspan is slightly smaller (23-32mm). The adult is fawn with faint dark dots and lines on the wings.
Where does the cactus moth come from?
A native of South America, Cactoblastis cactorum was introduced from Argentina to Australia in 1925 to control several species of North and South American Opuntia. The effort was highly successful. Later, the cactus moth was introduced into Hawaii, India, South Africa, and a few Caribbean islands for this same purpose.
Where does the cactus moth live in South America?
Jump to navigation Jump to search. Cactoblastis cactorum, the cactus moth, South American cactus moth or nopal moth, is native to Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and southern Brazil. It is one of five species in the genus Cactoblastis that inhabit South America, where many parasitoids and pathogens control the expansion of the moths’ population.
How big is a cactus moth in Texas?
The cactus moth has a wingspan of only about an inch, but this invasive insect has the potential to cause largescale agricultural and ecological devastation in Texas, according to the first study of cactus moths in Texas.
Where was the cactus moth monument in Australia?
In fact, the town of Dalby in Queensland, Australia erected a monument in 1965 dedicated to Cactoblastis cactorum for saving the people of Queensland from the scourge of invasive prickly pear cactus. This moth has been an effective control agent of Opuntia spp. in other areas including Hawaii, India, and South Africa.
Why is my cactus moth not laying eggs?
Many factors can lead to a mismatch between female egg-laying preferences and offspring performance; however, in this case the new association of Cactoblastis cactorum with North American Opunia plants is likely a cause.