Cactoblastis cactorum
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Cactoblastis cactorum, the cactus moth, South American cactus moth or nopal moth, is native to Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and southern Brazil. It is one of five species in the genus Cactoblastis tha
Cactoblastis cactorum moth female
Cactoblastis larvae feeding on Opuntia cacti
Monument to the Cactoblastis cactorum moth in Dalby, Queensland, Australia
Nopal
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Nopal is a common name in Spanish for Opuntia cacti, as well as for its pads. The name nopal derives from the Nahuatl word nohpalli for the pads of the plant.
Cactoblastis cactorum
…In the Western United States, over sixty Opuntia species are a vital part of the ecosystem. In Mexico, Opuntia is a vital plant; its fruit and pads (nopal) are a staple food, chopped cacti are used to sustain cattle in times of drought, and some Opuntia species support the cochineal dye industry. Loss of…
Mature edible nopal pad
Fresh nopal for sale at a market
A nopal salad
Budding