Opuntia bugs

[Peterthecactusguy]

http://fireflyforest.net/firefly/2005/12/21/cactus-bug/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; I forget where but I mentioned Opuntia bugs.. This is what I am talking about. The picture is of the exact bug that I have seen on, Opuntia, Cylindropuntia, Ferocactus, Mammillaria, and Echinopsis spachiana (think it was from some Opuntia nearby but it was feeding off the E. spachiana)

[billdee]

Wow!!! They can really do some damage. I've seen some bugs very similar to that here in Wisconsin, but it has orange color on it by the head, or maybe the rear, cant recall at the moment. I think I'll do a little research to try and ID the bugs I see around here that look like that.

We can always sell the damaged plants on e-bay
RARE-LIPSTICK VARIEGATED OPUNTIA

[Peterthecactusguy]

hahaha lol yeah. And btw the bug you are seeing is likely an assassin bug, or maybe a box elder bug, those are two that I can think of that would look similar, although, the assassin bug will have a fatter rear.. (they are sorta roundish) and they can bite. Ironically enough I just killed one that was by an O. ficus-indica, and I had two that were on a Mamm.

[billdee]

That's what its called box elder bug. I couldn't remember that for the life of me. Thanks!

[Peterthecactusguy]

haha, it's fine. I havent' seen one in probably 20 years or more. Every so often in spring/summer we would get so many.. they were annoying, but harmless (luckily)

[DaveW]

Best known cactus bug is of course Cactoblastis cactorum. One of the few bugs with a monument erected to it commemorating it's control of the invasion of introduced Opuntia's into Australia. Scroll right down the link to see the monument:-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cactoblastis_cactorum" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Peterthecactusguy]

Dave, yup, of course. I have seen pictures of the poor cacti that were damaged by those. And sadly they were brought to Mexico and have spread destruction throughout parts of Mexico, and threaten plants in Florida, one of them, Consolea coricola, which is on the endangered list and threatened by them.

[daiv]

I am pretty sure that the top picture here under "other bugs" is the nymph stage of this same bug.

http://www.cactiguide.com/cactipests/#insects" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I wouldn't mind having a better photo of this one if anyone encounters them. Try to remember to take a picture before doing them in!

[Peterthecactusguy]

lol all my close ups were blurry AND I did smear it btw. I am a live or let live kinda guy , but not with those. They can kill an Opuntia if they are left alone, and you get enough of them.

(Daiv) that top picture I think is the nymph stage as well. Next time I see one I will try and get a good close up

[daiv]

Sounds good and maybe the damage marks too

[Peterthecactusguy]

ok Daiv. I will keep my eyes peeled. I have some of the old scars on one of my Opuntia ficus-indica. I will keep my eyes peeled tho