I found some cochineal on my opuntia the other day. Will it damage/kill the cactus or can I just leave it alone? I kind of find it interesting to search the history of these critters that make the white 'crumb-like' material on the cactus pads & the red color when smashed. Over the years I have it on & off again & not sure what causes it to come & then disappear on the cactus; seems only on the opuntia & not the other kinds of cactus I have growing in my native garden here mile high in New Mexico! Wish I had a microscope to see what the things look like!
Any idea why or what determines it to come to certain cactus?