It gained wider attention after it appeared in Belle Glade, Florida in the 1960s when it was discovered to have infected the roots of celery plants in greenhouses.

[2] In the United States the cactus cyst has been reported in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, and New York.

The nematode will feed from the root whilst they go through their remaining three juvenile stages before moulting into the adult form.

Upon maturation the adult female will develop the eggs inside her before dying and forming the protective cyst.

[5] Cactodera cacti is not significantly important in regards of an economic loss but can prove problematic in greenhouses, nurseries, and home gardens.