Cactus-borer
Guides
Alberada bidentella
Alberada bidentella is a small snout moth described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1908. It occurs in the south-western United States, where its larvae develop internally within the stems of cholla cacti (Cylindropuntia species). The species exhibits slight sexual dimorphism in wingspan.
Melitara dentata
Blue Cactus Borer, North American Cactus Moth
A pyralid moth native to western North America, ranging from Alberta to southern Arizona and central Texas, with introduced populations in Hawaii. Adults have a wingspan of 32–50 mm. The species has one generation per year and is specialized on Opuntia cacti as larval hosts.
Rumatha bihinda
A snout moth species described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1922. Adult males have a wingspan of 30–35 mm, females 32–36 mm. The species is restricted to the southwestern United States. Larvae are stem-borers in Cylindropuntia cacti.