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cactus moth
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(Top) Area in Queensland, Australia, covered with prickly pear cactus (Opuntia stricta), which had expanded rapidly after being introduced in 1926. (Bottom) The same area three years later (1929) after the cactus moth (Cactoblastis cactorum) was introduced as a biological control agent for the cactus.
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cactus moth

insect
Also known as: Cactoblastis cactorum
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(Top) Area in Queensland, Australia, covered with prickly pear cactus (Opuntia stricta), which had expanded rapidly after being introduced in 1926. (Bottom) The same area three years later (1929) after the cactus moth (Cactoblastis cactorum) was introduced as a biological control agent for the cactus.
(Top) Area in Queensland, Australia, covered with prickly pear cactus (Opuntia stricta), which had expanded rapidly after being introduced in 1926. (Bottom) The same area three years later (1929) after the cactus moth (Cactoblastis cactorum) was introduced as a biological control agent for the cactus.

The cactus moth, scientifically known as Cactoblastis cactorum, is a moth whose larvae feed on cacti. Specifically, these small, whitish or yellowish moths have larvae that are orange-red and consume prickly pear cacti.1

The cactus moth belongs to the genus Cactoblastis, which is native to South America. This moth was introduced to Australia as a biological control agent to manage invasive prickly pear infestations. Pyralid moths, in general, are a diverse group with varied habitats and life cycles.234

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4 Britannica Sources
  1. cactus moth
  2. cactoblastis
  3. prickly pear
  4. pyralid moth

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