cactoblastis moth

Distribution of Cactoblastis cactorum eggs in Queensland, 1930.To control prickly pear, large numbers of Cactoblastis cactorum eggs were distributed throughout pear infested lands. This map appeared in the annual report of the Prickly Pear Commission 1930 and shows the number of Cactoblastis eggs released in each Land Agents’ District. The report stated that since October 1927, ‘the grand total of Cactoblastis eggs distributed in Queensland either by the Commission or through material given to landowners is 1,700,000,000'. The release of the eggs had a major impact on prickly pear and allowed lands to be reclaimed for agricultural production. Queensland parliamentary papers, vol 2, 1930