| Mediterranean Flour Moth | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
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Not evaluated (IUCN 3.1)
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Pyralidae |
| Tribe: | Phycitini |
| Genus: | Ephestia |
| Species: | E. kuehniella |
| Binomial name | |
| Ephestia kuehniella Zeller, 1879 |
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| Synonyms | |
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Numerous, see text |
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The Mediterranean Flour Moth, Indian Flour Moth or Mill Moth (Ephestia kuehniella) is a moth of the family Pyralidae. It is a common pest of dry plant produce – especially cereals – and found around the world.
Another common name, less unambiguous, is "flour moth", which (like "pantry moth", occasionally used for the present species) may also refer to the related Indianmeal Moth (Plodia interpunctella). In addition, the species has been discussed under a number of now-invalid junior synonyms, its specific name has been frequently mis-spelled, and it was once placed in a distinct genus Anagasta (now considered a subgenus of Ephestia):
The adult moth is pale gray and up to 12 mm long, with dark bands. The wingspan is between 16-20 mm. The larva (caterpillar) is off-white with a darker head and about 12 mm long when mature.
The caterpillars are often found feeding on flour, cereals, baked goods and other dry grain products in food storage areas. Less often, dried fruits or mushrooms and even peat or rotting wood may be eaten. The species may reach extreme population densities in suitable locations (such as gristmills) if left uncontrolled, and the silken webs produced by the caterpillars may even interfere with normal operations of machinery such as flour sieves.[1]
As with most grain- or flour-feeding pests the most effective method of control is to adopt basic good sanitary practices.
One way to keep the moths away is to place bay leaves in the food containers along with the original grains. Though products already affected should still be thrown away.
It is essential to ensure that food storage areas are kept clean and tidy and that no residues are left over. In addition it is imperative that food – especially grain, sugar and flour – is kept in plastic or metal storage containers with tight fitting lids. This will stop flour moths and other pests from getting at their contents. Note however that tiny gaps, even at the rim of Tupperware lids, will allow oviposition.
Media related to Ephestia kuehniella at Wikimedia Commons