Drawings of the Cactoblastis moth and its larvae

Cactoblastis cactorum moths are indigenous to a small area of Argentina. Female moths lay their eggs on the prickly pear plants. Working as a team, the hatched larvae then eat through the tough outer layer of the cactus pads to get at the edible interior. In a matter of weeks, the larvae can destroy an entire plant.

Cactoblastis cactorum moths were introduced into Australia in 1926 to help control prickly pear.