Cactus Moth - Got Info Aussies?

[westexan]

I was hoping someone from Australia was familar with the cactus moth (Cactoblastis cactorum), a native South American insect and be willing to contact me. I have just finished reading a magazine article on the insect which states, "To illustrate its voracious appetite, the cactus moth was intentionally released in Australia in 1925 to destroy weedy non-native cactus. Within 10 years, the caterpilllars of the cactus moth had destroyed 90 percent of cactus plants covering 25 million acres in Australia." Prickly Pear cactus is a highly invasive plant here and we fight it constantly in an effort to gain control. This same (range management) magazine predicts the moth will arrive in Texas next sometime next year. I am now concerned that we need to alter our "cactus control" game plan to adjust for this moth.

Thanks for your time in advance,
westexan

[PaulC]

Hi Westexan, Have a read at the following and I think you will have all the info you need:
http://www.northwestweeds.nsw.gov.au/prickly_pear_history.htm
Cheers
Paul

[westexan]

Thanks Paul,
That's a very informative read, the best so far! However, I was wondering (theoritically - of course) if the moths would survive once the prickly pear was annilated????? And, I'm having a difficult time thinking I may have to spend hard earned dollars in protecting the same cacti from a moth - that I am now trying to control (with hard earned dollars).

Thanks for your quick, helpful reply.


westexan

[PaulC]

From what I understand, as the prickly pear dies off so do the moths.
Cheers
Paul
PS go into google and search prickly pear, you'll find heaps of Aussie info there.

[westexan]

Thanks Paul - Your help is appreciated!
westexan