Tuesday, 2 August 2022

Prickly Pear Borer

Subject:  Unknown bug (caterpillar)
Geographic location of the bug:  Lexington County, South Carolina
Date: 07/21/2022
Time: 09:22 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman:  I found these guys on my prickly pear cactus. They were in the process of spinning silk. No one has been able to ID them. Our local extension suggested prickly pear cactus borer but it doesn’t match other pictures.
How you want your letter signed:  Any help would be appreciated!

Prickly Pear Borer

We believe this is a Prickly Pear Borer, a caterpillar in the genus Melitara.  Here is a BugGuide image for comparison.
Ed. Note:  This posting was rescued after being lost during a recent upgrade.



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