Angoumois Grain Moth

Sitotroga cerealella

Appearance

•  They have a wingspan of 13-19 mm and a length of 6-9 mm.
•  The forewings are clay-yellow and without markings; the hind wings are grey.

Lifecycle

•  Females lay an average of 150 eggs.
•  The caterpillar borers into a grain kernel after emerging from the egg, remaining there until fully developed.
•  The development period depends on temperature; warmer countries have several generations per year.

Habits

•  They are a primary pest of grain, which may be attacked in the field, although most damage occurs in storage.
•  Attacks all types of cereal grains, particularly corn and wheat. The weight losses can be as much as 50% for wheat and 24% for corn.
•  Badly infested grain has a sickening smell and taste that makes it unpalatable.