Where did the cactus moth originate?
Argentina
The cactus moth, Cactoblastis cactorum, is native to northern Argentina and parts of Perú and Paraguay. It was introduced into the Caribbean islands in the 1960’s to control several (native) prickly pear cactus (Opuntia) species (Simonson 2005).
When was the cactus moth discovered?
The moth was found in Loxahatchee, Palm County, Florida in June of 1992 by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 24 km inland from the Atlantic Ocean. In 2011, Cactoblastis cactorum was found at the Ordway-Swisher Biological Station in Putnam County, Florida (C.W. Miller).
How long do cactus moths live?
The forewings are greyish brown but whiter toward the costal margin. Distinct black antemedial and subterminal lines are present. Hindwings are white, semihyaline at base, smoky brown on outer half with a dark line along the posterior margin. The average longevity of the adult is 9 days.
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 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 do cactus moths do?
The cactus moth is so efficient at eliminating Opuntia cacti species that it is used as a biological control agent in areas where Opuntia are invasive. Thus, the cactus moth are a considerable threat to the native Opuntia cactus population and the ecosystem it supports.
Where do cactus moths 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.
What eats a cactus bug?
Common garden pests, such as aphids, spider mites, mealybugs and scale insects can also feed on cactuses. Check cactus plants carefully for crawling insects or cottony, white masses, which may be mealybugs or scale.
What animal eats a cactus?
There exist different animals that eat cactus. They include but are not limited to woodrats, camels, birds, iguanas, tortoises, beetles, and jackrabbits.
What animal eats the cactus mouse?
Certain kinds of rats, mice, gophers and ground squirrels eat prickly pear (Opuntia spp.) pads, fruits and seeds, as well as find shelter and protection among the spiny, thickly growing plants.
When was the cactus moth introduced to Australia?
Photograph by Christine Miller, University of Florida. Cactoblastis cactorum, native to South America, was introduced from Argentina into Australia in 1925 to control several North American and South American species of Opuntia. In Queensland, 16 million acres of severely infested land were reclaimed for agriculture by the action of this insect.
Where does the Cactoblastis cactorum cactus moth live?
Cactoblastis cactorum. 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.
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.
Are there cactus moths in the Dominican Republic?
By 1963 the cactus moth had invaded the Lesser Antilles to Puerto Rico (Garcia-Tuduri et al. 1971) and is now present in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas (Starmer et al. 1987). As mentioned above, the arrival of Cactoblastis cactorum into continental North America is a major concern.
