Scientific name: Ephestia elutella, E. kuehniella
Distribution
Worldwide, intolerant of hot conditions.
Pest Type
Secondary pest
Identification
Adult: 16–19 mm wingspan. Labial palps short and curved upwards. Wings are grey with darker markings.
E. kuehniella is larger with a 15–26 mm wingspan, and more clearly marked.
Life Cycle
At optimum conditions of 25 ℃ temperature and 75% relative humidity, the life cycle will be completed in 40 days. The eggs are laid loosely in commodities. Larvae are external feeders and produce silk webbing. Adults are short-lived, fly, and do not feed.
Commodities attacked
Dried plant material: cereal products, oilseeds, cocoa, chocolate, species, nuts, dried fruit, and processed food.
Ephestia elutella is a major pest of tobacco.
Economic importance
High, especially in processed foods, tobacco, and storage facilities.