Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 July 2009
Collections of Cactophagus spinolae (Gylh.) were made in Mexico in 1946, 1947, and 1948 to supplement the biological control of prickly pear (Opuntia spp.) in South Africa. During these three years, 862, 1,396, and 15,584 adults, respectively, were dispatched to South Africa. The weevils were sent by air express in specially designed containers, and arrived in excellent condition.
This paper includes information on the distribution, life history and food preferences of C. spinolae. The need is stressed for anticipating the effects of transit conditions upon living insect material transported by aircraft.