 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Cactus Moth (Cactoblastis cactorum) |
|
 |
|
Identification
The adults of Cactoblastis cactorum (Berg) (Pyralidae: Phycitinae) are non-descript brownish-gray moths that can only be definitively identified by a microscopic examination of dissected male genitalia. They generally appear as typical pyralide moths with pronounced labial palps of the female, thus the name “snout moths”. The fore-wings show a characteristic banding pattern, however other related Phycitinae have similar banding.
The larvae of C. cactorum are very distinctive with black spots or bands on an orange to red body. However, native Lepidoptera (Pyralidae) species found on Opuntia are not well known, especially in the Western US. Adults are difficult to identify without dissection. Dr. Richard Brown, entomologist at MSU, is collaborating with Dr. Alma Solis, at the ARS Systematic Entomology Laboratory, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC to develop keys to the larvae likely encountered on Opuntia in the US.
Tips on Cactus moth identification from Richard Brown, Mississippi State University.
 |
Illustration of C. cactorum |
 |
Adult male (l) and female (r) of C. cactorum showing relative size. |
 |
Adult female C. cactorum mounted showing banding on wings |
 |
C. cactorum larva (right) and Melitara prodenialis (left) normally found on prickly pear |
 |
Rumatha glaucatella larva found in Florida on prickly pear |
