Tropical Warehouse Moth

Ephestia cautella

Appearance

•  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.