Opuntia stricta
This cochineal insect from North America is successfully controlling this invasive opuntia in South Africa and Australia. The insect belongs to the same species that controls prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) in South Africa. However, Dactylopius opuntiae can be separated into at least two biotypes: the 'ficus biotype' develops only on Opuntia ficus-indica whereas the 'stricta biotype' is restricted to Opuntia stricta plants.
Photo by C.J. Cilliers courtesy Ecoport.
