Opuntia-feeder
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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.
Laniifera 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.
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.
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.