The renowned cactus moth, Cactoblastis cactorum: its natural history and threat to native Opuntia floras in Mexico and the United States of America

The cactus moth, Cactoblastis cactorum (Berg) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is an invasive species in North America where it threatens Opuntia native populations. The insect is expanding its distribution along the United States Gulf Coast. In the search for alternative strategies to reduce its impact, the introduction of a natural enemy, Apanteles opuntiarum Martínez and Berta (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), is being pursued as a biological control option. To identify promising areas to intentionally introduce A. opuntiarum for the control of C. cactorum, we estimated the overlap of fundamental ecological niches of the two species to predict their common geographic distributions using the BAM diagram. Models were based on native distributional data for both species, 19 bioclimatic variables, and the Maxent algorithm to calculate the environmental suitability of both species in North America. The environmental suitability of C. cactorum in North America was projected from Florida to Texas (United States) along the Gulf coastal areas, reaching Mexico in northern regions. Apanteles opuntiarum environmental suitability showed a substantial similarity with the calculations for C. cactorum in the United States. Intentional introductions of A. opuntiarum in the actual distribution areas of the cactus moth are predicted to be successful; A. opuntiarum will find its host in an environment conducive to its survival and dispersal.

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Modern Trends in the Natural History Museums of the United States of America

Museum International ◽

10.1111/j.1468-0033.1953.tb00217.x ◽

1953 ◽

Vol 6 (3) ◽

pp. 164-173

Author(s):

Ned J. Burns

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Natural History ◽

United States Of America ◽

The United States ◽

Natural History Museums ◽

History Museums

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Contributions to the natural history of the United States of America / by Louis Agassiz.

10.5962/bhl.title.12644 ◽

1857 ◽

Cited By ~ 31

Author(s):

Louis Agassiz

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Natural History ◽

United States Of America ◽

The United States ◽

History Of ◽

Louis Agassiz

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Orchid weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Canada

The Canadian Entomologist ◽

10.4039/tce.2016.56 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 149 (1) ◽

pp. 38-47

Author(s):

Jens Prena

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

New Species ◽

Natural History ◽

United States Of America ◽

The United States ◽

Temperate Zone ◽

Natural Habitats ◽

New Synonymy

AbstractThe study presents information about the taxonomy, natural history, and distribution of orchid weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Canada. Native areStethobaris ovata(LeConte, 1869) (=S. congermanaCasey, 1892restored synonymy;=S. convergensCasey, 1920new synonymy),S. incomptaCasey, 1892 (=S. commixtaBlatchley, 1916new synonymy), andS. sacajaweaePrena,new species, with all of them also being present in the adjacent temperate zone of the United States of America.Orchidophilus aterrimus(Waterhouse, 1874) andS. laevimargo(Champion, 1916) have been found on imported orchid cultivars but did not become established in natural habitats.

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