Mediterranean flour moth

Mediterranean flour moth
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Pyralidae
Genus: Ephestia
Species:
E. kuehniella
Binomial name
Ephestia kuehniella
Zeller, 1879
Synonyms
  • Anagasta huchinella (lapsus)
  • Anagasta kuchinella (lapsus)
  • Anagasta kühmiella (lapsus)
  • Anagasta kuehniela (lapsus)
  • Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller, 1879)
  • Anagasta kurhirela (lapsus)
  • Anagasta lunella (lapsus)
  • Ephestia fuscofasciella Ragonot, 1887
  • Ephestia gitonella Druce, 1896
  • Ephestia kühniella Zeller, 1879
  • Homoeosoma alba Roesler, [1965]
  • Homoeosoma ischnomorpha Meyrick, 1931
  • Homoeosoma nigra Roesler, [1965]

The Mediterranean flour moth or mill moth (Ephestia kuehniella)[1] is a moth of the family Pyralidae.[2] It is a common pest of cereal grains, especially flour. This moth is found throughout the world, especially in countries with temperate climates.[3] It prefers warm temperatures for more rapid development, but it can survive a wide range of temperatures.[3]

The Mediterranean flour moth is frequently found in warm places with stored grain products, such as flour mills and bakeries, where it can breed year round. Flour mills have a particular problem with the Mediterranean flour moth because the caterpillars spin silk that clogs machinery. The most effective pest control strategy for this moth is sanitation of facilities and sealing grain containers to prevent infestation, but some pesticides may also be used.[4]

  1. ^ "Mediterranean Flour Moth (Mill Moth)". University of Minnesota. 29 July 2015.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ a b Jacob, T.A.; Cox, P.D. (June 1976). "The influence of temperature and humidity on the life-cycle of Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)". Journal of Stored Products Research. 13 (3): 107–118. doi:10.1016/0022-474x(77)90009-1.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference Jacobs was invoked but never defined (see the help page).