Cactus Moth (Cactoblastis cactorum) |
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History
Cactoblastis cactorum origins are in South America (Argentina, Southern Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay). It was the most effective biological control agent tested in Australia in the 1920’s to control several species of introduced prickly pear cactus.
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A population of Opuntia inermis in Queensland, Australia prior to attack by Cactoblastis cactorum. Photograph taken in April, 1928. |
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The same view 18 months after the introduction of Cactoblastis cactorum. Photo taken October, 1929. |
The success C. cactorum in Australia was renowned, influencing its use in other parts of the world, including South Africa in 1933, Hawaii in 1950, and the Caribbean island of Nevis in 1957. The insect now occurs throughout the Caribbean.
The photographs on this page are from the publication: "The Biological Campaign Against Prickly Pear", by Alan P. Dodd, published by the Commonwealth Prickly Pear Board, Queensland, Australia, 1940.