4. DISCUSSION
Our study confirmed that H. pungens , commonly called the Harrisia
cactus mealybug (HCM), is not a single polyphagous species, but a
species complex consisting of at least five species. Each member of the
complex was associated with particular hosts, indicating a high degree
of specificity at the host plant family level. Our genomic survey
allowed the identification of the source population from which the
Puerto Rico cactus pest was derived. This is an important achievement
since it will help to design reliable strategies for classical
biological control using natural enemies, such as specialized
parasitoids, associated with the pest in its native range.