Biocontrol

What was the moth introduced in Australia called

Cactoblastis cactorum

What is the scientific name for prickly pear?

Opuntia spp.

How does Cactoblastis cactorum kill Opuntia?

It lays eggs on the cactus, and the larvae feed on the plant (the internal tissue of the prickly pear pads), causing damage.

Why was biocontrol neded on Opuntia

because it became an invasive species in Australia, causing significant ecological damage and impacting agricultural productivity.

Was here any drawbacks to Cactobastis cactorum?

Yes, Cactoblastis cactorum also affected native cactus species in the Carribbean and US and led to ecological imbalances.

What is the scientific name of the cannibal snail

Euglandina rosea

Where was E. rosea from

the southeastern United States.

Where E. rosea introduced?

It was introduced to several Pacific islands, including Hawaii, to control the invasive giant African snail.

What is the scientific name of the giant african land snail

Achatina fulica

Why did A. fulica need to be eaten

It was an invasive pest causing damage to native crops

When was E rosea introduced?

1950s

What did E rosea actually end up eating?

The native Partula snails