Cactobrosis Dyar

Thomas J. Simonsen and Richard L. Brown

Last updated: Dec.15, 2009

Taxonomic Synonymy
Cactobrosis Dyar, 1915, Proc. U.S. Natl. Mus. 47: 406
Type species: Euzophera longipenella Hampson, 1901. Original designation.

Diagnostic Characters
Adult
Cactobrosis is similar to Zophodia, Echinocereta, and Ozamia, but can be distinguished by the following combination of characters: 1) male antenna bipectinate or strongly serrate and with a shallow sinus with up to 13 clusters of scale-like sensilla at the base of flagellum, 2) maxillary palpus filiform, 3) male abdomen 8 with one pair of strongly developed, ventrolateral scale tufts (Heinrich 1939; Neunzig 1997).

Larva
According to Heinrich (1939), Mann (1969), Neunzig (1997) the larvae are blue without transverse bands or spots.

Larval Hosts
The larvae of Cactobrosis,as currently defined (sensu Neunzig 1997), feed in Ferrocactus. (Heinrich 1939; Mann 1969; Neunzig 1997).

Life History
Eggs are laid singly; the larvae are gregarious feeders (Heinrich 1939; Mann 1969).

Distribution
The distribution of the genus is centred in Mexico, with one species, C. fernaldialis, also occurring in the southwestern USA. (Heinrich 1939, 1956; Mann 1969, Neunzig 1997).

Species
     fernaldialis
     longipenella
     maculifera
     insignatella