Cactoblastis cactorum

Malezka R. and Stange G. (1997) Molecular cloning, by a novel approach, of a cDNA encoding a putative olfactory protein in the labial palps of the moth Cactoblastis cactorum. Gene 202, 39-43. 

CLP1 Cactoblastis cactorum AAC47827 Maleszka and Stange, 1997... 

Eggs of Cactoblastis cactorum imported Into Australia from Argentina for control of... 

Control of prickly pear cactus In Australia achieved bv Cactoblastis cactorum. 

After a search of its range in North America, biologists eventually discovered several insect species that attack the cactus and could be used in its growth control. The most effective of these is a moth Cactoblastis cactorum (who says biologist don t have a sense of humor ). Female Cactoblastis moths deposit eggs on the cactus pads. When 70-90 eggs hatch, the larvae burrow into the cactus and feed on the flesh inside. As they burrow, they introduce fungi and bacteria that also attack internal tissues. Cactus tissues quickly turn to mush. 

Pemberton, R.W. (1995). Cactoblastis cactorum (Lepidoptera Pyralidae) in the United States An immigrant biological control agent or an introduction of the nursery industry American Entomologist 41, 230-232. Perez-Sandic, M. (2001). Addressing the threat of Cactoblastis cactorum (Lepidoptera Pyralidae) to Opuntia... 

Soberon, J. (2002). The routes of invasion of Cactoblastis cactorum. pdf of a powerpoint presentation, Comision Nacional para el Conocimiento y uso de la Biodiversidad (CONABIO), Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. 

Starmer, W.T., Aberdeen, V., Lachance, M.-A. (1988a). The yeast community associated with decaying Opuntia stricta (Haworth) in Florida with regard to the moth Cactoblastis cactorum (Berg). Florida Scientist 51, 7-11. 

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