Cactus Moth Update

Volume 1, Issue 1 July 2009

Distribution of Opuntia in the Region By Victor Maddox Geosystems Research Institute

New populations of Opuntia have been recorded in Missis- sippi recently. Cactus moth has been found in southern Louisi- ana, intensifying work there.

On the Cactus Moth Detection and Monitoring Network database, 236 instances are reported in Louisiana, with new reports added constantly. A number of Figure 2. Larger vegetation associated with Opuntia engelmannii new populations of host cacti Salm-Dyck ex Engelm. grows on canal levees in southern LA. Iden- are also marked. Most are Opun- tifying taller vegetation saves time, since could indicate potential tia engelmannii Salm-Dyck ex hosts. (Photo by Victor Maddox). Engelm. on canal levees (Fig. 1), on and around Fort Livingston, non-native. Still, Opuntia engel- vast area. Associate species or in residential landscapes. mannii is well established on have been recorded for a num- Inside this issue: Grand Chenier in southwest ber of the Opuntia engelmannii Plants on levees may have es- Louisiana. Nopalea cochenillifera populations on canal levees. Helping APHIS 2 caped from Fort Livingston (L.) Mill. and Opuntia ficus-indica They are generally associated Find Cactus Moth located on Grand Terre Island (L.) Mill. have been identified in with Baccharis halimifolia L., Celtis to the south of the canal levees. residential landscapes, but are laevigata Willd., Distichlis spicata Quarantine Facil- 2 Opuntia engelmannii was appar- uncommon. (L.) Greene, Ilex vomitoria Ait., ently planted at Fort Morgan in ity for Rearing Iva frutescens L., Lantana camara Alabama for soil stabilization. Surveys continue in southern L., Melia azedarach L., Quercus Louisiana for host s from popu- virginiana Mill., Rubus trivialis Sending Pictures 3 Similar planting may have taken lations. Many are accessible only Michx., Sesbania drummondii of Pheromonal place many years ago at Fort by boat and scattered over a (Rydb.) Cory, Solidago semper- Livingston, possibly making it virens L., Spartina patens (Ait.) Dissection Train- 3 Muhl., Teucrium canadense L., Fig. 1. Opuntia engelmannii Salm-Dyck ex Engelm. on a canal levee ing Video in southern Louisiana. This plant was not infested with cactus Triadica sebifera (L.) Small., and moth, but many others in the area are. (Photo by Victor Maddox). Zanthoxylum clava-herculis L. New Web Site on 3 Cactus Moth and Other less common species were also associated with Opun- tia, but the larger woody species Models and Popu- 4 appear to be better indicators lation Genetics since they are visible from greater distances (Fig. 2). Data Network Home- 5 for each population will be col- page Update lected and entered into the Cactus Moth Detection and Monitoring Network database. Page 2 Cactus Moth

Helping APHIS Find Cactus Moth By Victor Maddox Following the detection of surveys were road surveys on Geosystems Research Institute cactus moth in Louisiana MSU- and adjacent to Highways 45 GRI assisted with two sets of and 23 south of New Orleans. Since before the detection of host/pest surveys in Southern cactus moth in Louisiana, MSU- Louisiana. The first set of sur- Data on new host populations “MSU-GRI GRI has coordinated and col- veys was conducted during the were gathered during these laborated with USDA-APHIS in 3rd week of June and focused surveys, entered into the Cac- assisted with their efforts to eradicate cactus on all roads south of Highway tus Moth Detection and Moni- moth in the Midsouth. 90. The second set of host/pest toring Network (CMDMN) two sets of host/ surveys was conducted the last database. Both Louisiana data In early June MSU-GRI assisted week of June. and Texas sentinel site contacts pest surveys in USDA-APHIS with cactus moth from the database have been surveys on the Mississippi bar- Boat surveys in the marsh shared with USDA-APHIS. Southern rier islands. Teams inspected south of Lafitte, LA (Figure. 1) Currently, MSU-GRI is working thousands of plants for cactus took the first day. Representa- on sharing CMDMN host data Louisiana.” moth on Horn and Petit Bois tives from Texas trained in for Texas with George Nash, Islands during a strategic time. recognizing the various stages USDA-APHIS, in Texas. of pest activity and host dam- age (Figure 2). The remaining During cactus moth and host

Fig. 1. Boat survey for cactus moth and hosts in southern Louisiana with USDA-APHIS representatives. MSU-GRI collected data for the Cactus Moth Detection and Monitoring Network (Photo by Victor Maddox). Volume 1, Issue 1 Page 3

Helping APHIS Find Cactus Moth (cont.) survey trips, invasive plant species data was also collected for the Invasive Plant Atlas of the MidSouth (IPAMS) for sharing Numerous data forms were collected during these trips including data on species new to IPAMS and federal noxious species.

MSU-GRI continues to coordi- nate activities with USDA- APHIS to assist their efforts, which is especially important when there are USDA budget shortfalls. USDA is establishing trap lines in LA and TX and A new web site seeking more host information and volunteers in TX. Fig. 2. Joe Bravata with USDA-APHIS in Louisiana inspecting on cactus moths Opuntia engelmannii Salm-Dyck ex Engelm. for cactus moth. USDA-APHIS representatives from Texas participated in the will cover 21 survey as training for activities in Texas. (Photo by Victor Maddox). genera and include

“Dissection of Male Genitalia of the Cactus Moth” - A Training Video taxonomic and

By Richard L. Brown making dissections are known sections and the detailed meth- identification Department of Entomology to many Lepidoptera special- ods for cleaning, staining, and ists, but these have not been slide mounting the abdomen information, The identification of the cactus made widely known to others and genitalia. This video will be moth can be dependent upon who are involved in making available on CD as well as on morphology, making dissections of the male diagnostic identifications. A web pages, and as such will be genitalia for distinguishing this new video has been produced the first video on dissection life history, species from related cactus that covers the tools and re- methodology that is available moths. Proper methods for agents needed for making dis- on line. larval hosts and images.

New Web Page on the Cactus Moth and Related Native Species By Richard L. Brown morphology, life history, larval known hosts of Cactoblastis, a Department of Entomology hosts, and images. At present complete bibliography for Cac- the site includes this informa- toblastis (with pdfs for some A new web site on cactus tion for all Cactoblastis and publications), and a compiled moths in North and South Melitara species. and categorized list of links to America is in development by other sites. The site can be Thomas Simonsen and Richard New information that is avail- accessed at: http:// L. Brown, with various author able on-line for the first time mississippientomologicalmu- authors contributed selected includes images of comparative seum.org.msstate.edu// pages. The site will cover 21 morphology of Cactoblastis and Researchtaxapages/ genera and include taxonomic Melitara, a synthsis of new in- CactusMoths/ListGenera.html. and identification information, formation on life history and Page 4 Cactus Moth

Opuntia and Cactoblastis Habitat Models and Population Genetics

utilized Floridian host plant C. Calibration of environ- species (O. humifusa and O. mental tolerance models stricta). for Cactoblastis, based on data collected in the two B. Analyses of genetic data Argentina research trips. resulting from Argentina sampling trips. We have begun comparative habitat modeling approaches We completed genetic analyses aimed at testing hypotheses for C. cactorum in its native regarding factors influencing range in Argentina, its invasive the distribution of C. cactorum range in Florida, and for Meli- across Florida. tara prodenialis across its native Floridian range. These analyses This work, and a field study have shown that C. cactorum completed during summer has considerable geographically 2008, suggest the moth’s distri- By Gary N. Ervin structured genetic diversity in bution is strongly influenced by Department of Biological Sci- its native range, similar to M. the presence of its preferred ences prodenialis in its native range. host species (or that the two are mutually influenced by one Our proposed work for 2009- Cactoblastis cactorum in Florida or more other factors). We 2010 encompasses three major has far reduced genetic diver- presently are expanding this areas of research—continued sity relative to its native range work to evaluate potential habitat modeling efforts based (5 vs. 55 COI haplotypes), but habitat for the moth in areas of on our large data set from the this diversity also is geographi- the Gulf Coast beyond the C. cactorum native range, con- cally structured, with a Gulf Florida-Alabama distribution. (T)he moth’s tinued genetic studies in Opun- Coast clade, an Atlantic Coast tia and cactophagous moths, clade, and a more widespread We also have begun work to distribution is and experimental studies of clade overlapping these other integrate habitat modeling stud- growth performance of C. cac- two. ies with results we have ob- strongly torum and native US cactus tained to date from our genetic moths on native southeastern These data support published analyses (i.e., modeling habitat influenced by US Opuntia species. inferences of multiple introduc- for specific genotypes). We tions to Florida, but only from have manuscripts in develop- the presence of The following is an update on the nearby Caribbean range. A ment based on this habitat progress towards our pro- manuscript discussing these modeling work. its preferred posed deliverables for 2010. findings is nearing completion and should be submitted during host species (or A. Analyses of comparative the next quarter. growth chamber studies. that the two We initiated a controlled labo- are mutually ratory experiment aimed at investigating unique defense influenced by responses from prickly pear hosts to feeding by C. cactorum one or more (invasive moth) and M. prodenialis (native). other factors). This experiment also will provide a direct comparison of life history difference between these two cactophagous moth species including information about phenology, reproductive characteristics, and survivor- ship on their most commonly Volume 1, Issue 1 Page 5

Figure 1. Cactus Moth Cactus Moth Detection and Monitoring Network Homepage Detection and Moni- toring Network Map By Clifton Abbott searching for cactus locations have been plagued with prob- shows positive Opuntia Geosystems Research Institute and potential infestations in lems with both the software populations (red) with Southeast Louisiana. and the hardware. positive moth infesta- The Cactus Moth Detection tions (blue). and Monitoring Network continues to provide critical information in the fight against the invasive and destructive cactus moth.

The network current holds 7,788 positive and negative pricklypear cactus surveys across the nation and Mexico with many more waiting to be entered.

These surveys identified 2,560 populations of pricklypear cactus spanning 23 states and Mexico. Of those cactus populations, 103 are identified as positive locations for the cactus moth.

The network is also continuing to provide information about the leading edge of the moth’s advancements along the East and Gulf coasts. Recently, the The result of this survey effort Those issues have been cactus moth was detected in produced 69 cactus locations worked through and the up- three Southeast Louisiana par- with 45 locations being positive grades are now moving for- ishes. for cactus moth infestations. ward. The Cactus Moth Detec- The network Additional surveys were col- tion and Monitoring Network The network provided informa- lected 30 June and 1 July 2009. can be visited at http:// currently holds tion about cactus locations in The data is currently being www.gri.msstate.edu/ 7,788 positive that area to assist in an exten- prepared for entry into the cactus_moth. sive search led by USDA- network. and negative APHIS. GRI’s Victor Maddox assisted USDA-APHIS in GRI has been planning software pricklypear Figure 2. Cactus Moth Detec- and hardware upgrades to the tion and Monitoring Network servers that house the Cactus cactus surveys sentinel sites are monitored on regular intervals for the Moth Detection and Monitor- across the presence of the cactus moth. ing Network. These upgrades nation and Mexico with many more waiting to be entered. Page 6 Cactus Moth

Coordination January—June 2009 Invasive Species Working through ongoing genetic re- plants for cactus moth. No Group teleconferences, last search. visuals for cactus moth. Ap- Thursday of each month, team proximate first instar larvae (T)he moth’s member has participated each Victor Maddox logged the fol- found were native cactus moth month. lowing trips, working with (confirmed by Richard Brown). distribution is USDA-APHIS NBII Content Workshop, Feb- Southern Louisiana with USDA strongly ruary 3-5 2009, Baltimore, MD. Mississippi barrier islands with -APHIS. 17-19 Jun 2009. Con- John Madsen attended. USDA-APHIS. 9-11 Feb 2009. ducted cactus moth and host influenced by Inspected thousands of host road surveys south of Hwy 90 Gary Ervin and colleagues in plants during cactus moth first across southern Louisiana. the presence of the MSU Department of Bio- cycle surveys. No visuals for logical Sciences continue col- cactus moth. Southern Louisiana with USDA its preferred laborations with Dr. Guillermo -APHIS. 29-30 Jun to 1 Jul Logarzo and Laura Varone at Mississippi barrier islands with 2009. Assisted with cactus host species (or the South American Biological USDA-APHIS. 30-31 Mar 2009. moth and host boat surveys Control Laboratory in Buenos Inspected thousands of host south of Lafitte, LA and con- that the two Aires, Argentina. They are plants for cactus moth. No ducted cactus moth and host collaborating in the design of visuals for cactus moth. road surveys south of New are mutually studies to examine the degree Orleans. New cactus moth of isolation among Cactoblastis Mississippi barrier islands with infestations identified and many influenced by cactorum genotypes identified USDA-APHIS. 10-12 Jun 2009. new host populations docu- Inspected thousands of host mented. one or more other factors).

Quarantine Facility for Rearing Cactus Moths Supporting Research and Identification

By Richard L. Brown maintaining a quarantine facility to verify their identification. Department of Entomology Telemucha sp. in the Department of Entomol- Larvae from Jefferson Parish,

(Ichneumonidae) – a ogy, allowing the rearing of egg LA provided voucher speci- parasitoid reared from USDA-APHIS approved Stan- sticks and young instar larvae mens of adults for documenting Melitara prodenialis. dard Operating Procedures for new distribution of the cactus moth. Larvae of native species were sent from western states to document their identity.

Drs. Gary Ervin and Travis Marsico researched the comparative fitness of Cactoblastis cactorum and Melitara prodenialis, which has provided secon- dary benefits. With Richard Brown, they identified two species of parasitoids of Meli- tara prodenialis, a tachinid fly and an ichnemonid wasp, and the fungus Beauveria bassiana as causing mortaility to Melitara prodenialis; the parasitoids have been submitted to the USDA Systematic Entomology Labora- tory for identification. Volume 1, Issue 1 Page 7

Submission of Digital Images of Pheromone Trap Samples for Identification

By Richard L. Brown and adjacent counties in TX. tos without the need of mailing Department of Entomology Many of the non-target species of samples. However, all digital captured in pheromone traps images sent to Richard Brown Pheromone traps to monitor can be easily told from exotic [email protected] should for presence of cactus moths and native cactus moths with- be labeled with the trap num- are currently being operated in out microscopic examination. ber and the accompanying AL, MS (Petit Bois and Horn In the photograph of the trap email message must include all Islands), LA, TX, AZ, and CA. sample shown here, submitted trap data, including dates of by Dr. Barron Rector, Texas A trap operation, trap location, Development of the cactus & M University Extension Ser- including county, location, and moth identification guide vice, the moths are easily iden- coordinates, collector of trap

A pheromone trap sample from Texas with Spodoptera exigua moths. (Brown and Lee, 2008) has tified as Spodoptera exigua by sample, and the contact email, reduced the number of trap forewing pattern, especially the phone number, and address of samples submitted for identifi- presence of yellow spots. the submittor. All trap samples cation. Discovery of the cactus should be retained by the sub- moth in Jefferson Parish, LA Moths photographed in traps mittor until confirmation of the has resulted in more monitor- oriented so their forewing identification is made by email ing and use of pheromone traps patterns are fully exposed often or phone. in other coastal Parishes of LA can be identified by digital pho-

Publications January—June 2009 Peer-Reviewed Journals Gary Ervin also was selected as Maddox, V. L. 2009. Plant Simpson, A., C. Jarnevich, J. 2009 Doug Wilcox Out- identification and invasive spe- Madsen, R. Westbrooks, C. standing Associate Editor for cies information. 12th Annual Fournier, L. Mehrhoff, M. Wetlands, the journal of the Jackson Garden and Patio Browne, J. Graham, and E. Society of Wetland Scientists. Show, 13-15 Mar 2009, Missis- Sellers. 2009. Invasive species sippi Trade Mart, Jackson, MS. information networks: collabo- Professional Presentations ration at multiple scales for Leveraging Proposals Sub- prevention, early detection, and Cannon, Jeffery (undergrad) mitted rapid response to invasive alien and Gary Ervin. Soil texture species. Submitted to BioDiver- effects on Opuntia pusilla mor- Madsen, J. D., V. L. Maddox, sity. phology. Mississippi State Uni- and R. L. Brown. 2009. Cactus versity Undergraduate Re- moth response west of Missis- In-House search Symposium at MSU, sippi: Survey, training, assess- April 21, 2009. ment and verification. USDA Madsen, J. D., Brown, R., Ervin, APHIS PPQ Cactus Moth Na- G., Shaw, D. R., Abbott, C. F., Madsen, J. D., Brown, R. L., tional Program, July 1, 2009 – Maddox, V. L., Wersal, R. M., Ervin, G., Maddox, V. L., & March 31, 2010. $55,705.76. McBride, D. W., & Madsen, N. Abbott, C. F. 2009. Update on Pending. 2009. Research to Support the GRI Cactus Moth Detec- Integrated Management Sys- tion Network. Invasive Species Madsen, J. D., G. N. Ervin, C. tems of Aquatic and Terrestrial Working Group. Teleconfer- Brooks, V. Maddox, L. Me- Invasive Species: Annual Report ence: National Biological Infor- hrhoff, R. Westbrooks, and T. 2008. GRI Report #5030. Mis- mation Infrastructure, Invasive Feria. 2009. Development Of sissippi State University: Geo- Species Information Node. June A National Early Detection systems Research Institute. 2009. And Rapid Response Training Program For Invasive Plants In Awards Maddox, V. L. 2009. Invasive The United States. USDA species information and plant CSREES AFRI Program, January Gary Ervin received the 2009 identification. 2009 Hattiesburg 1, 2010 – December 31, 2012. College of Arts & Sciences Garden and Patio Show, 27-29 $499,290.45. Pending. Faculty Research Award at an Mar 2009, Hattiesburg Conven- awards banquet on April 30. tion Center, Hattiesburg, MS.

Geosystems Research Institute Box 9652 Mississippi State, MS 39762-9652 Phone: 662-325-2428 Fax: 662-325-7692 E-mail: [email protected]