Presence of the invasive moth Cactoblastis cactorum (Lepidoptera) in Opuntia stricta (Haw.) in three locations in the south of Cuba

Abstract

The invasion of exotic species is one of the causes of the loss of plant biodiversity, especially in highly vulnerable ecosystems. Cactoblastis cactorum has been used as an important biological control agent against several exotic and invasive cactus species in various parts of the world. In Cuba, the introduction of the moth was used to control Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw., which is a species with extensive plasticity and expansive nature, which has become a phytosanitary problem. In the present study, the presence of this moth is reported in three localities in southern Cuba and its possible causes of dispersion are analyzed.