Morphological Characterization and Spatial Distribution of Dactylopius opuntiae (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) in Northwestern Libya

Abstract

This research investigates the cochineal insect Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae), a newly recorded invasive pest in Libya. This study investigates on mapping the spatial distribution of this insect across municipalities in Al-Jafara region in northwestern Libya, which represents the primary infestation site in the country. In addition, the study aimed to identify the precise morphological and field characteristics of this species. The results confirm that D. opuntiae was the dominant species throughout all surveyed municipalities of Al-Jafara. Morphological identification was confirmed using diagnostic microscopic characters, particularly the distribution of Wide-Rimmed Pores (WRP). Heat maps reveal that insect density and infestation severity were highest in the northwestern municipalities and gradually declined toward the south and southeast. Infestation severity varied markedly among municipalities, ranging from severe to low levels, the highest infestation severity was recorded in Al-Maamoura (86.4%), followed by Al-Maya (80.9%). These findings indicate that the rapid and severe spread of this pest urgently requires an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy combining mechanical, chemical, and biological control methods to reduce population levels, limit further spread, and achieve long-term suppression through sustainable biological control and resistant host varieties.