Insect of the Month

Tobacco Moth (Ephestia elutella)

Description

Tobacco Moth Adults: The wings from tip to tip are up to 16 mm (0.625 inch) and the hind wings are uniformly gray. The upper wings are grayish brown with two light colored bands extending across each forewing.

Tobacco Moth Eggs: Oval, ivory in color and 2 mm (0.08 inch) long.

Tobacco Moth Larvae: Cream colored, brown head capsule, with rows of spots along the back. Microscopic examination is required to separate from other Ephestia moths.

Tobacco Moth Pupae: Pupal cases are whitish with a yellow to brownish colored pupa inside.

Life Cycle

Adult 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 feed and become mature in 25-64 days depending on food quality, temperature and humidity. Larvae will wander and pupation will occur away from infested materials. Adults emerge from the pupae in 8 to 10 days depending on temperature.

Damage & Detection

Granular frass the size of ground pepper can be found in and on food materials such as tobacco, cocoa, nuts, dried fruits, cereals, processed foods containing wheat, rice, corn, nuts, and seeds. The use of pheromone traps and inspections can determine location and degree of infestation.

Fun Facts

• Similar species include the Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella), Mediterranean flour moth (Ephestia kuehniella), and Almond moth (Cadra cautella)
• Other common names for the tobacco moth include cacao moth, warehouse moth, chocolate moth, and mite moth.
• Like many food moth species, adult Indian meal moths do not eat. Their larvae are vivacious feeders and damage dried goods.
• Larvae produce large amounts of silk which can contaminate dried food goods and clog machinery.
• Tobacco moths initiate flight at temperatures above 12.5°C (55°F).
• The pheromone that attracts the tobacco moth also attracts over 20 other moth species (Ephestia spp., Cadra spp., and Spodoptera spp.).

Recommended monitoring systems for the Indian Meal Moth are:

• Hanging NoSurvivor Trap with PTL Multi-Species Bullet Lure (IL-408)
• All Beetle Trap with RTU Gel (IL-2750)