Click on any image to open the slideshow
Cactoblastis cactorum Hodges #5970.1
Cactus Moth
Not native to Florida
This is a problem invasive species that threatens native plants of the Opuntia genus. The cactus moth lays it's eggs on prickly pear cacti, and after hatching the larvae burrow into the cactus pads. As they feed on the cactus the frass is pushed out of the pad appearing as an ooze that drips down the cactus piling up on the ground. More information on cactus moths can be found at the UF Entomology Dept. Featured Creatures web site.
Cactoblastis cactorum is a member of the Pyralidae - Snout moths family.
iNaturalist profile for this species
For more information on this species, visit the following link:
Bugguide.net page for this species
Date record last modified: Aug 24, 2023
