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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

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Origin and Etymology of cactoblastis

New Latin, from cactus + -o- + -blastis -blast

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First Known Use: 1931

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