We confirm reports from the 20th century literature that Loxomorpha flavidissimalis (Grote, 1878), the cactus webworm, occurs in southern Texas and northeastern Mexico, and we report and verify for the first time that it occurs in the state of Tamaulipas as an herbivore of the cultivated cactus Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. var. Copena V-1 (green vegetable). Four cultivated cactus varieties (VALTIERRILLA, COPENAV-1, JALPA and VILLANUEVA) were monitored for four years (from planting to adulthood) (2010–2014). Of the four varieties assessed, only COPENA V-1 showed L. flavidissimalis presence and herbivory. Larvae were observed during the months of March to November, and young cladode losses were attributable to L. flavidissimalis. The cactus webworm represents an additional potential pest for the production of cultivated cactus in Tamaulipas where damage was observed to be 3.7% of the annual yield.
How to translate text using browser tools
3 March 2016
The Cactus Webworm, Loxomorpha flavidissimalis (Grote, 1878) (Pyraloidea, Crambidae): Its Distribution and Potential as a Pest of Cultivated Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill., Var. Copenav-1) (Cactaceae) in Tamaulipas, Mexico
M. Lara-Villalón,
M. Alma Solís,
G. Sánchez-Ramos,
A. Mora-Olivo
ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE
edible fruit and vegetable
Loxomorpha cambogialis
nopalitos
pest
varieties