Cactoblastis essay

It is feared that it will cause large scale losses of native cacti diversity in North America and possibly have a large economic, social and ecological impact in Opuntia rich areas of southwestern USA and Mexico. Females of Cactoblastis cactorum have a wingspan of 27-40mm, whilst male wingspan is slightly smaller (23-32mm).

Cactoblastis cactorum is a voracious feeder on cacti in the genus Opuntia (prickly pear cacti) and is an example of a successful weed biological control programme. It was introduced from Argentina into Australia in the mid 1920's for the biological control of invasive and non-native Opuntia.

Opuntia ficus-indica (prickly pear); Cactoblastis cactorum larvae infesting a prickly pear cladode. This natural enemy is effective in controlling small plants. Opuntia ficus-indica (prickly pear); Cactoblastis cactorum larvae infesting a prickly pear cladode. This natural enemy is effective in controlling small plants.

Cactoblastis cactorum require Opuntia cacti species to lay their eggs upon. On hatching, all larvae from one eggstick enter the plant at one point. They tunnel freely within the cladodes, consuming the whole of the interior except the vascular bundles and leaving the undamaged cuticle as a transparent tissue.