cactoblastis
noun
cac·to·blas·tis
\ˌkaktəˈblastə̇s\
Definition of cactoblastis
1 capitalized : a genus of small moths (subfamily Phycitinae of the family Pyralidae) native to South America including the cactus moth (C. cactorum) which has been introduced into Australia to control prickly-pear infestation
2 plural cactoblastes \-ˌtēz\ : cactus moth
From the M-W Editors
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Origin and Etymology of cactoblastis
New Latin, from cactus + -o- + -blastis -blast
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