Cactus Moth (Cactoblastis cactorum)

Figure 1. Egg stick of C. cactorum, 2-3 cm in size containing 50-70 eggs.
Image: Dale Habeck, Univ. of Florida

Figure 2. First instar larvae hatch and burrow into the plant where they feed gregariously.
Image: Ignacio Baez, USDA, ARS

Figure 3. The first visible evidence of internal feeding by larvae is yellowing and frass on the plant surface.
Image: Joel Floyd, USDA, APHIS, PPQ

Figure 4. Further evidence of internal feeding by larvae is yellowing and exudates of the plant.
Image: Ken Bloem, USDA, APHIS, PPQ

Figure 5. Symptoms of internal feeding including frass from C. cactorum in Opuntia stricta.
Photos by Joel Floyd, USDA, APHIS, PPQ

Figure 6. Hollowing out and eventual collapse of C. cactorum infested O. stricta plant.
Image: Ignacio Baez, USDA, ARS

Figure 7. When held up to the light, an infested prickly pear pad has a translucent quality and larvae can be seen feeding through the pad epidermis.
Image: Joel Floyd, USDA, APHIS, PPQ

Figure 8. Cutting open the cactus pad in cross-section reveals C. cactorum larvae feeding.
Image: Joel Floyd, USDA, APHIS, PPQ