Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell, 1896)

false prickly pear cochineal

on Opuntia

parasite

Larvae and adults free on the plants.

host plants

Cactaceae, monophagous

Opuntia ficus-indica.

distribution within Europe

(PESI, 2020).

predators

see Lestodiplosis dactylopii.

notes

Produces a dye of lesser quality than Dactylopius coccus, but is much more aggressive towards the host plant.

references

Ben-Dov Y & Sánchez-García (2015a), Ülgentürk & Şişman Hocaali (2019a).