Mediterranean flour moth

Classification

Secondary pest; Grain feeder
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Pyralidae
Acronym: EKU

Description

• Adults are fairly large with a wingspan of 20 to 25 mm and a length of 9 to 12 mm.
• Adults have forewings that are uniformly grey with some brown and white markings.
• Labial palps are upturned.
• Larvae are white to pinkish with a distinct head capsule, reaching a length of 20 mm at maturity.
• Larvae have dark spots at the base of each setae.

Similar species

• Brown house moth (Hofmannophila pseudospretella)
• Almond moth (Cadra cautella)

Commodities affected

• Predominantly affects wheat flour
• Will also infest bulk stored grain but is restricted to surface layers
• Is recorded from a wide number of other commodities and may feed on dead insects

Signs of infestation

• Direct larval feeding damage
• Heavy webbing of food surfaces

Damage

• Damage is not distinctive.
• Larvae cause damage, adults do not feed.
• When they feed on whole grains, larvae prefer to feed on bran and germ.
• Larvae can produce copious amounts of silk contaminating grain.
• Silk can also block machinery, legs and augers.
• Webbing can result in condensation resulting in increased humidity and subsequent formation of moulds that may produce toxins.

How to control

• Control grain insect pests

Geographic range

• Is found worldwide but is not abundant in the tropics
• Is not well established in Canada, if at all

Where found

• Is found in mills, processing facilities, warehouses and households
• Can survive winter outside of heated structures
• Does not cope well with high temperatures (more than 30^oC)

Life history

• Adults are most active at dusk and dawn, rest during daylight hours
• When mature, larvae will leave the food and wander in search of a pupation site