National Early Detection Network Presented at the Consortium of Northeast Herbaria Cactus Moth Found in Louisiana

Invasive Species Information Node (ISIN) partners at the Mississippi State University (MSU) Geosystems Research Institute, as coordinators of the Cactus Moth Early Detection and Monitoring System, reported that the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Plant Protection and Quarantine has confirmed the presence of the moth in Louisiana, its most western known location in North America, to date. Adult moths were captured at scent-baited traps and sent to MSU for identification. As a follow-up, monitoring has been increased in the region. Training in cactus moth identification will also take place in Louisiana as part of an effort to step up detection efforts in the hopes to facilitate effective control. Maps of moth and host cactus distribution are available online.