Mendel, Z., Protasov, A., Vanegas-Rico, J.M., Lomeli-Flores, J.R., Suma, P., & RodrÃguez-Leyva, E. 2020 Classical and fortuitous biological control of the prickly pear cochineal, Dactylopius opuntiae, in Israel. Biological Control 142: 104157
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Notes: Approximately 2500 Hyperaspis trifurcata individuals were released in the summer of 2017, and 1300 Leucopina bellula individuals in the following summer, mostly at different sites. The establishment in Israel of both predators is a promising solution to the problem of Dactylopius opuntiae, although it is too early to determine how successful this endeavor will be. Further consequences of the acclimatization of the cochineal and its Mexican predators in Israel are discussed including their possible spread into other countries, particularly in Africa where D. opuntiae is being successfully used for biological control of invasive Opuntia species.
