Insect of the Month: Almond Moth (Ephestia cautella)
Almond moth damage occurs during the larval phase. Granular frass the size of ground pepper can be found in food materials such as nuts, dried fruits, cereals and processed foods containing nuts or seeds and made from wheat, rice, or corn.
What do almond moths look like?
Almond Moth Adults: Up to 13 mm (0.5 inches) long with light grey to tan colored wings. There may be light wavy markings across the wings of this brown moth.
Almond Moth Eggs: Oval, ivory in color and 2 mm (0.08 inches) long.
Almond Moth Larvae: Creamy white, brown head capsule, with rows of spots along the back. Microscopic examination is required to separate from other Ephestia moths.
Almond Moth Pupae: Pupal cases are whitish with a yellow to brownish colored pupa inside.
What is the almond moth life cycle?
Adult almond moths live for 10-14 days. Mated females can lay 20-120 eggs singly or in groups. Eggs hatch in 3-5 days in warmer months and up to 7 days in cooler months. Larvae mature in 25 days.
Development can extend up to 64 days depending on food quality, temperature, and humidity. Larvae will migrate from infested products to pupate. Adults will emerge from pupation in 8 to 10 days depending on temperature.
Solutions for Monitoring Almond Moths
Monitoring Guidelines for Almond Moth (Ephestia cautella)
Click on the image or insect name above to view monitoring guidelines for almond moths. These guidelines include details on Description, Lifecycle, Damage and Detection, Corresponding Products, Fun Facts, and more!
Stay tuned
Next week we are going to be sharing a solution Insects Limited offers when dealing with food infesting insects.
Related Insect and Pheromone Posts
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