The Role of Host Identity in Determining the Distribution of the Invasive Moth Cactoblastis Cactorum (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Florida

Authors

  • Kristen E. Sauby
  • Travis D. Marsico
  • Gary N. Ervin
  • Christopher P. Brooks

Abstract

We examined the association between the exotic South American cactus moth, Cactoblastis cactorum (Berg) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), and its host plants (prickly pear cacti, subfamily Opuntioideae) in Florida to assess the role of host plant identity and local host community on the prevalence of this invasive moth. From May to September 2008, we surveyed 4,243 plants across 165 sites throughout Florida for C. cactorum. The probability of C. cactorum presence at a particular site was best explained by the presence of either Opuntia humifusa var. ammophila (Small) L. D. Benson or O. stricta (Haworth) Haworth. Within infested sites, only O. stricta individuals were significantly more infested than other host plants. Our results suggest that understanding patterns of C. cactorum infestation, both in Florida and as it spreads towards the western United States relies, at least in part, on determining the mechanism by which O. stricta influences the suitability of specific host communities.

Resumen: Se examinó la asociación entre la polilla exótica del nopal de América del Sur, Cactoblastis cactorum (Berg) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), y sus plantas hospederas (nopal, subfamilia Opuntioideae) en la Florida para evaluar el efecto en la identidad (especie) de la planta hospedera y la comunidad de la flora local sobre la prevalencia de esta polilla invasora. Desde mayo hasta septiembre 2008, revisamos 4,243 plantas en 165 sitios en toda la Florida para C. cactorum. La probabilidad de la presencia de C. cactorum en un sitio particular se explica mejor por la presencia de Opuntia humifusa var. ‘ammophila’ (Small) L.D. Benson u O. stricta (Haworth) Haworth. Dentro de los sitios infestados, solamente las plantas de O. stricta fueron significativamente más infestadas que las otras plantas hospederas. Nuestros resultados sugieren que al entender los patrones de infestación de C. cactorum, tanto en la Florida asi como el incremento en su rango hacia el oeste de Estados Unidos se basa, por lo menos en parte, en la determinación del mecanismo por el cual O. stricta influye en la migración de Cactoblastis cactorum a las comunidades específicas de plantas hospederas.

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Published

2012-09-01

Issue

Vol. 95, No. 3 (September 2012)

Section

Research Papers

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