Cactus Moth (Cactoblastis cactorum) Introduced: First U.S. report was in 1989 Adults are (Monroe County). Native to South grayish-brown America. with a wing span of ½ to 1² inches Current Infestation: Cactus moths can (2.2 to 3.5 cm). be found throughout Florida, and continues to spread through the Atlantic Seasonality: Cactus moths can usually and Gulf Coast states. be found all year in Florida, however, there are at least three generations per Description/Biology: The cactus moth year with peak adult flights in the spring, life cycle is approximately 90 days. Eggs summer, and fall. are laid on cactus pads in Hosts: Most a stacked species of prickly formation pear cacti creating an (Opuntia spp.) egg stick that including six resembles a Florida native cactus spine. Opuntia species. Larvae hatch from the eggs and burrow into the cactus pad generally close to the Im portance: egg stick. The cactus moth is an effective control agent of Opuntia Larvae are species and was introduced to Australia bright and other places for this purpose. orange red However, its presence in Florida is a with large concern because of its impact on the dark spots native Opuntia species as well as other forming species grown as ornamental plants in transverse Florida which include the Florida bands. The semaphore cactus (Opuntia corallicola), larvae feed the signal cactus (O. spinosissima), and in groups inside cactus pads. During O. tricantha. The cactus moth is a feeding, the caterpillar excrement is serious pest of Opuntia species in farms, pushed out of the cactus pad and forms a nurseries, landscapes, and natural areas. noticeable pile. The larvae exit the cactus pad to pupate, forming white cocoons in leaf litter, in bark crevices of nearby trees, or in the soil.

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Cactus Moth (Cactoblastis cactorum) Dam age: Larval feeding causes physical Professional and Grower - Monitor plants damage by for egg sticks or feeding damage. If hollowing out spotted, remove and destroy them. If a and destroying pesticide is necessary, it is important to the young target the young larvae before they cactus pads. burrow into the pad. Contact pesticides This damage labeled for caterpillars (such as allows pyrethroids) can be successful in pathogens to controlling these young larvae. In enter the plant laboratory tests, cypermethrin, spinosad, which can and imidacloprid provided excellent cause the control of eggs and neonates (larvae that death of the have just hatched from their eggs). entire plant. W ebsites: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN213

http://www.fcla.edu/FlaEnt/fe844.htm

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/ep/ emerging_pests/cactoblastis/ index.html

Stephen Davis, USDA APHIS PPQ; Forestry Im ages http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/ animals/controlmech.shtml

Managem ent: The best method to manage this pest is through early detection which allows for simple techniques of removing and destroying egg sticks or infested cactus pads.

Homeowner - To remove prickly pear cactus pads without being stuck by their Authors: Adrian Hunsberger, UF/IFAS, Miami-Dade Extension spines, use tongs to hold the pad and cut Kim Gabel, UF/IFAS, Monroe Extension it off with a large knife or machete. Catharine Mannion, UF/IFAS, TREC Homestead Eileen Buss, UF/IFAS, Entomology Dept., Gainesville Lyle Buss, UF/IFAS, Entomology Dept., Gainesville Place the cut pads in a sunny location, and cover with clear plastic. This will Photo Credits: UF/IFAS, D. Habeck and F. Bennett, cook the caterpillars that are living in the and Kim Gabel Arnold T. Drooz, USDA Forestry Ser; Forestry Images pads. Another method is to thoroughly Stephen Davis, USDA APHIS PPQ; Forestry Images crush the infested pads. Then place the pads in a double strength plastic bag for August 2006 garbage pick up.

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