Tropical Warehouse Moth

Ephestia cautella

Appearance

Image of Tropical Warehouse moth (Ephestia cautella) | Rentokil Malaysia
  • Adult — 7—9mm in length with a wingspan of 15—20mm. Grey-brown banded with lighter and darker colours.
  • Larva — whitish, yellowish or reddish depending on food. Tend to wander upwards to dark areas to pupate.

Lifecycle

  • 31 days at optimum temperature (32°C).

Habits

  • Often linked with imported food cargoes. Primarily a pest of stored cereals, nuts, dried fruit, oil seeds and oilcakes. Rarely attacks tobacco and animal products.
  • Adults do not feed.