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RESEARCH LITERATURE
The Research Literature database was created and funded by the Florida Wildflower Foundation. Use the search features below to find scientific articles on native wildflowers that are commercially available or used in restoration projects.
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The CO2 sense of the moth Cactoblastis cactorum and its probable role in the biological control of the CAM plant Opuntia stricta
Author(s): G. Stange, J. Monro, S. Stowe and C. B. Osmond
Month: Jun
Year: 1995
Publication Type: Article
Journal: Oecologia
Volume: 102
Issue: 3
Pages: 341-352
Article Topic(s): Disturbance
Research Setting(s): Coastal,Laboratory
Species Referenced: Opuntia stricta (Erect pricklypear),
Abstract
Describes the interaction between the moth, Cactoblastis cactorum, and one of its hosts plants, Opuntia stricta, in the context of CO2 detection. The moth has CO2 sensors that likely detect two types of CO2 gradients. The first is CO2 from the soil associated with soil respiration. This CO2 gradient may cue flying moths. The second CO2 gradient extends from the photosynthetic cladodes of the cactus and my cue crawling insects. This may explain observations of greater moth egg density on the most vigorous plants.Suggested Citation
G. Stange, J. Monro, S. Stowe and C. B. Osmond. "The CO2 sense of the moth Cactoblastis cactorum and its probable role in the biological control of the CAM plant Opuntia stricta." Oecologia 102.3 (1995): 341-352.Go back