Blue Cactus Borer - Hodges#5989
Cactobrosis fernaldialis
This record describes Cactobrosis fernaldialis (species). Recorded family: Pyralidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Larvae carry and transmit the bacteria ( Erwinia carnegieana ) that causes black necrosis disease and may play a major role in the decline of the saguaro cactus (Betton, 1972; Horst, 2008). The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum website states that larvae rarely cause lethal damage to larger cacti. The cactus' reaction to the moth larva and bacteria results in a hard callus tissue growth that may be present in the carcass of a dead saguaro (pictured in Betton, 1972).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Pyraloidea
- Family
- Pyralidae (Pyralid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Phycitinae
- Tribe
- Phycitini
- Genus
- Cactobrosis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Deserts.
Geographic Range
Powell & Opler reported the range to include Texas to southern California.
Seasonal Activity
Powell & Opler reported late March to April and July to November.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Powell & Opler (2009) states that larvae feed in fishhook barrel cactus ( Ferocactus wislizeni ) and probably in other related cacti. Mann (1969), Betton (1972), Horst (2008) and the AZ Department of Agriculture also list the saguaro cactus ( Carnegiea gigantea ).
Life History
Up to 100 larvae feed gregariously on one plant causing a yellowish appearance. They tunnel freely and eject frass through a few small holes. Pupation occurs in flimsy cocoons beneath the plant or nearby (Mann, 1969). Larvae feed at the base of saguaro buds and tunnel into the cactus (AZDA). Note: The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, under a photo of the larva, states that the larvae are NOT gregarious.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named in honor of entomologist Charles H. Fernald (1838-1921).
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Cactobrosis fernaldialis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Blue Cactus Borer - Hodges#5989 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Maury Heiman , Randy Hardy
Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Cactus Borer - Hodges#5989
What is Blue Cactus Borer - Hodges#5989?
Blue Cactus Borer - Hodges#5989 (Cactobrosis fernaldialis) is a species in the family Pyralidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Blue Cactus Borer - Hodges#5989?
Powell & Opler reported the forewing length 14.5-20.5 mm., females much larger than males.
Where is Blue Cactus Borer - Hodges#5989 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Deserts. |
| Range | Powell & Opler reported the range to include Texas to southern California. |
What does Blue Cactus Borer - Hodges#5989 eat?
The diet of the Blue Cactus Borer - Hodges#5989 includes Powell & Opler (2009) states that larvae feed in fishhook barrel cactus ( Ferocactus wislizeni ) and probably in other related cacti. Mann (1969), Betton (1972), Horst (2008) and the AZ Department of Agriculture also list the saguaro cactus ( Carnegiea gigantea )..
When is Blue Cactus Borer - Hodges#5989 active?
Blue Cactus Borer - Hodges#5989: seasonal activity - Powell & Opler reported late March to April and July to November..
What is the life cycle of a Blue Cactus Borer - Hodges#5989?
Up to 100 larvae feed gregariously on one plant causing a yellowish appearance. They tunnel freely and eject frass through a few small holes. Pupation occurs in flimsy cocoons beneath the plant or nearby (Mann, 1969). Larvae feed at the base of saguaro buds and tunnel into the cactus (AZDA). Note: The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, under a photo of the larva, states that the larvae are NOT gregarious.