To the amazement of most, the eastern prickly pear cactus is an Illinois native plant. UI Extension To the amazement of most, the eastern prickly pear cactus is an Illinois native plant. UI ...

One of Cyprus’ superfoods, the prickly pear or papoutsosyko, lending its flavour and health benefits to afficionados over centuries, is at risk from the fast-spreading mealy bug. The invasive ...

The bug sucks the sap from cactus pads, causing yellowing and eventual death of the plants. Agriculture expert Faouzi Zayani inspected dying prickly pear trees.

Entomologist Colothdian Tate examines a prickly pear cactus pad infested with larvae of the invasive cactus moth, These insects feed inside the cactus pad, completely hollowing it out.

Along this same line, placement of the Santa Rita Prickly Pear, or any cactus for that matter, on the perimeter of your property can dissuade invaders from entry.

Cochineals are tiny bugs that live on prickly pear cactuses. They make a red dye used in textiles, cosmetics, and foods like M&Ms and Yoplait yogurt.

The prickly pear is considered a pest in Australia, but for the local Maltese community, this spiky, uninviting cactus is the true taste of summer.

Texas’ state plant, the prickly pear cactus, is being devoured by invasive caterpillars. So Texas scientists are releasing thousands of tiny wasps.

Centuries before the now-banned red dye No. 3 was synthesized in a lab, humans turned to insects to color their foods, fabrics and artwork.