Cactus-moth
Guides
Cactoblastis
Cactoblastis is a genus of snout moths (Pyralidae) described by Émile Louis Ragonot in 1901. The genus contains five described species native to South America, with C. cactorum being the most extensively studied due to its historical role as a biological control agent. Larvae are specialized internal feeders on cactus cladodes, and the genus is notable for complex collective behaviors in neonate caterpillars. C. cactorum was famously introduced to Australia in 1925 to control invasive prickly pear cacti, achieving significant success, though later spreading to threaten native Opuntia species in other regions.
LepidopteraPyralidaebiological-controlOpuntiacactus-mothherbivorysocial-behaviorinvasive-speciesclassical-biological-controlSouth-AmericaAustraliaFloridaneonate-aggregationegg-stickinternal-feedermeristem-feedermandibular-gland-markingtrail-followingcontagious-distributionpopulation-regulationhost-specificityecosystem-impacthistorical-ecologypestconservation-concernLaniifera cyclades
Cactus Moth, Prickly Pear Moth
Laniifera cyclades is a snout moth in the family Crambidae and the sole member of its genus. It is native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. The species is notable for its specialized diet on prickly pear cactuses (Opuntia), which has led to its introduction as a biological control agent in regions where these cactuses are invasive. Adults are active from July to September and have a wingspan of approximately 40 mm.
Melitara
Pricklypear Borers
Melitara is a genus of snout moths (Pyralidae: Phycitinae) established by Francis Walker in 1863. Species in this genus are specialist herbivores of cacti, particularly Opuntia species, with larvae that bore into cactus pads and stems. The genus is taxonomically contentious, with some sources treating it as a synonym of Zophodia while others retain it as valid. Melitara species serve as hosts for parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, and have been studied in the context of biological control of invasive cacti and as potential competitors to the invasive South American cactus moth Cactoblastis cactorum.
Melitara junctolineella
Melitara junctolineella is a snout moth (Pyralidae) native to southern Texas and eastern Mexico. It has been introduced to Australia as a biological control agent for the invasive cactus Opuntia stricta. The species is bivoltine, with two distinct adult flight periods annually. Its larvae are specialized feeders on several Opuntia cactus species.