Later in larval development the spine pad may become yellow, transparent cactorum (Fig. 6), and hollow (Fig. 7). Cactus Moth eggstick

The cactus moth, , Fig. 2. Eggstick and Cactus Spine is a non-native pest of prickly pear cacti Fig. 6. Transparent Pad Fig. 7. Hollow Pad Eggs require 3-5 weeks to develop. Eggs in ( spp.). Originally from , a single eggstick hatch at about the same Larvae of the cactus moth are orange to this pest threatens the growth of native, time. The small larvae burrow into the cactus red with black spots that form bands endangered, and ornamental cacti in many pad and fed gregariously inside the pad (Fig. 8). coastal areas of . Of great concern is (Fig. 3). the potential for C. cactorum to spread into

Opuntia-rich areas of the western and . There are four developmental stages of this moth: eggs, larvae (), pupae, and adults. The female moth lays its eggs on Fig. 8. Cactus Moth

cactus in a chain. The eggs are stacked Larvae leave the and pupate between pancake-like to form an eggstick (Fig. 1). cactus pads and in leaf litter. The pupal

Fig. 3. Initial Penetration of Larvae into Cactus cocoons (Fig. 9) are difficult to find. Pad As larvae feed inside the pad (Fig. 4) they push out frass and mucilage and a noticeable

“ooze” forms on the pad and ground (Fig. 5).

Fig. 9. Cactus Moth Cocoon

Adults are active immediately before Fig. 1. Eggstick dawn and are rarely seen. Typically, female The eggstick often resembles a cactus moths are larger than males (Fig. 10). spine (Fig. 2). (over) Fig. 4. Larvae Inside Pad Fig. 5. “Ooze”

A native cactus moth is common in

Florida cactus pads. The native cactus moth is far less devastating to these cacti female male than its non-native counterpart. Larvae of

the native cactus moth, Melitara

H. Zimmermann Fig. 13. O. humifusa Fig. 14. O. pusilla prodenialis, are solid blue to purple Fig. 10. Adult Cactus Moth (Fig. 18).

Damage from this pest can be devastating and entire cactus stands can be destroyed (Fig. 11 and 12).

Fig. 15. O. ficus-indica Fig. 16. O. stricta Fig. 18. Native Cactus Moth The current distribution of this species in Larvae of the native are easily the United States includes much of the distinguished from non-native larvae by coastal areas of Florida and up the Atlantic their differences in color (compare Fig. 18

and 19). Fig. 11. Before Infestation coastline to Charleston, SC (Fig. 17).

Fig. 19. Non-native Cactus Moth Fig. 12. After Infestation For additional information please contact The cactus moth attacks all Opuntia spp. USDA-ARS-CMAVE: found in Florida. Examples include: Dr. Stephen D. Hight Nathan J. Herrick Opuntia humifusa (Fig.13), Opuntia pusilla Phone: 850-219-5754 Phone: 850-219-5753 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] (Fig. 14), Opuntia ficus-indica (Fig. 15), Fig. 17. Distribution of Cactoblastis cactorum in the United States and (Fig. 16). Printed Decmber 2003