Ben Hassan, M.A., Kaydan, M.B., ZaIdi, M.A., & Biche, M. 2026 Dactylopius confusus (Cockerell, 1929) (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae): an invasive insect pest of cactus in Algeria; identification, morphology and geographical distribution. Journal of Insect Biodiversity 86(2): 026–040

Keywords:

diagnosis

distribution

host

illustration

taxonomy

Notes: The prickly pear cochineal, Dactylopius confusus (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae), is an invasive scale insect and serious pest of the prickly pear cactus, Opuntia ficus-indica L. (Cactaceae), in Algeria since it was introduced in 2021. This study confirms the presence of D. confusus rather than D. opuntiae, with diagnostic and morphometric analyses of adult females. Furthermore, monitoring of D. confusus enabled the observation and documentation of all developmental stages, as well as its geographical distribution.