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Issue: Vol. 86 No. 2: 17 Aug. 2026
Type: Article
Published: 2026-08-17
DOI: 10.12976/jib/2026.86.2.1
Page range: 26-40
Abstract views: 306
PDF downloaded: 5

Dactylopius confusus (Cockerell, 1929) (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae): an invasive insect pest of cactus in Algeria; identification, morphology and geographical distribution

Geomatics; Ecology; and Environment Laboratory; University Mustapha Stambouli of Mascara; 29000; Algeria; National Higher School of Agronomy -Algiers-; 16200; Algeria
Çukurova University; Biotechnology Research and Application Center; Adana; Türkiye
Geomatics; Ecology; and Environment Laboratory; University Mustapha Stambouli of Mascara; 29000; Algeria
National Higher School of Agronomy -Algiers-; 16200; Algeria
Diagnostic D. confusus D. opuntiae O. ficus-indica distribution Algeria

Abstract

The prickly pear cochineal, Dactylopius confusus (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae), is an invasive scale insect and serious pest of the prickly pear cactus, Opuntia ficus-indica L. (Cactaceae), in Algeria since it was introduced in 2021. This study confirms the presence of D. confusus rather than D. opuntiae, with diagnostic and morphometric analyses of adult females. Furthermore, monitoring of D. confusus enabled the observation and documentation of all developmental stages, as well as its geographical distribution.

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