The flour moth: the mysterious warehouse pest

The warehouse moth (Ephestia kuehniella) is a fascinating and disturbing species of moth that plays a significant role as a pest in grain and food warehouses. Its presence often requires intervention in the form of pest control. Here are some key aspects of this interesting insect.

Characteristics and Appearance

The clothes moth is a species of moth belonging to the family of the wax moths. It resembles a wardrobe moth. It has a wingspan of 2.5 cm and has whitish wings with a dark pattern, while the rear pair of wings is greyish.

Reproduction and development

Female meal moths are ready to lay eggs almost immediately after becoming adults. Embryonic development takes 8 days at a constant temperature of 20°C. The first instar larva exhibits negative phototaxis, isolating itself from light. The duration of development depends on environmental conditions and available food.

Economic importance

The caterpillars of the Ephestia kuehniella destroy dry foodstuffs (flour, groats, cereals, nuts, almonds, bread) in warehouses and use them to construct their webs. The extermination of these pests requires the disposal of all infested food.

Relevance for environmental protection

The flour moth feeds on certain insects, birds and bats. The parasitic Trichogramma wasp lives in its eggs.

Distribution

The flour moth is now a cosmopolitan species. It can be found in mills, storage facilities, bakeries and even apartments.

Summary

The flour moth is not only a warehouse pest, but also an interesting species of butterfly with a unique life cycle and reproduction. Its ability to survive in various environmental conditions and its impact on the economy and the ecosystem make it a noteworthy object of research.