Cactus-pest
Guides
Cactophagus
cactus weevil, prickly pear cactus weevil
Cactophagus is a genus of snout and bark beetles in the family Dryophthoridae, comprising more than 50 described species distributed from southern North America through Central America to northern South America. Species in this genus are strongly associated with cacti, particularly Opuntia species, and several are significant agricultural pests. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision, with some species previously placed in Metamasius. The most economically important species, C. spinolae, is a major pest of prickly pear cactus in Mexico and has been introduced to other regions for biological control of invasive Opuntia.
Cryptarcha
Cryptarcha is a genus of sap beetles in the family Nitidulidae, established by Shuckard in 1839. The genus contains at least 17 described species distributed across multiple continents. Some species are associated with cactus cultivation, where they can cause significant agricultural damage. Members exhibit both phytophagous and saprophagous feeding behaviors.
Gerstaeckeria hubbardi
cactus weevil
Gerstaeckeria hubbardi is a species of hidden snout weevil in the family Curculionidae. It is a documented pest of Opuntia cacti, with larvae feeding internally on cactus tissues. The species occurs in North America, with records from the southern United States including Florida. It was described by Pierce in 1912 and is classified in the genus Gerstaeckeria, which contains cactus-associated weevils.
Laniifera
Laniifera is a genus of snout moths (family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae) containing two species: L. cyclades and L. rawlinsi. The genus was erected by George Hampson in 1899 with Pachynoa cyclades Druce, 1895 as type species. The caterpillars of L. cyclades are specialized feeders on Opuntia cacti and are recognized as pests of commercial prickly pear cultivation.
Loxomorpha
Loxomorpha is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae (order Lepidoptera). The genus contains at least four recognized species, including L. flavidissimalis, a known pest of cultivated cactus. The genus was established by Hoshide in 1988, though Amsel (1956) is also cited as an authority. Species in this genus are distributed in the Americas, with records from North America to Mexico.
Loxomorpha flavidissimalis
Cactus Webworm
Loxomorpha flavidissimalis, commonly known as the Cactus Webworm, is a moth species in the family Crambidae. First described by Grote in 1878, it is distributed across the southern United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and has been introduced to Australia. The species is notable for its specialized association with Opuntia cacti, with larvae feeding internally on host tissues. It has potential economic significance as a pest of cultivated cactus crops.