Moth released for biocontrol later became a threat to native US prickly pears

The Argentine cactus moth, an invasive species from South America, has begun its march across the southern United States, threatening the delicate balance of native prickly pear cactus populations.

Initially identified in Florida in 1989, its westward movement raises alarms among scientists regarding potential ecological disruptions in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico.

Control measures, including the sterile insect technique, are in place to monitor and manage its spread.