Extended geographical distribution and host range of the cactus moth, Cactoblastis cactorum (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), in Argentina

Abstract

A field exploration was conducted to confirm the southern distribution of Cactoblastis cactorum in Argentina. The distribution of the moth was found to be extended to the south (40° 10'S) and west (66° 56'W). The native species Opuntia penicilligera was recorded as a host for the first time. These findings should be useful in improving bioclimatic models to predict the potential geographic range of C. cactorum in North America.