Angoumois Grain Moth (Sitotroga cerealella)
The Angoumois grain moth is a member of the family of gelechiid moths, who are known primarily for being major grain pests. The larvae of this species spend most of their lives inside their host grains, only emerging as full-grown adults.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Gelechiidae
- Genus: Sitotroga
- Scientific Name: Sitotroga cerealella
Description and Identification
Caterpillar
Larvae have a yellowish-white body and a small yellowish-brown. head These caterpillars are 1–1.5 cm long. They are seldom seen as most of their growth occurring within a single grain.
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Pupa
Pupation then occurs in a silk cocoon inside the grain and, after 10 days or as little as 5 days, they emerge.
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Adult Moth
Sexual Dimorphism: Present. Males have a thin and pointed black abdomen, while in females it appears bulky, long, and colorless.
Color and Appearance
Forewing: When the wings are opened, they are yellow-white with dark spots. When the wings are closed, the colors and patterns remain the same.
Hindwing: When the wings are opened, they are a light-gray color. When the wings are closed, the overall color of the moth appears brown.
Average wingspan: 1-1.5 cm
Flight pattern: Erratic
Season: Year-round
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Egg
Eggs are initially are white but become red later on. They are oval and 2mm long.
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Quick Facts
| Distribution | China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Nigeria, and South Africa |
| Habitat | Mostly tropical climates |
| Lifespan of Adults | 15 days |
| Host Plants | Kernels and seeds of cereal crops like barley, maize, rice, rye, sorghum, triticale, and wheat. |
| Adult Diet | Does not feed |
Did You Know
- As grain pests, they cause physical damage to the grain, leading to the loss of nutritional value and removing the ability for the seeds to germinate.
- The common name of this moth is a reference to Angoumois, the pre-revolutionary French province from which French entomologist G.-A. Olivier first scientifically described it in 1789.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Gelechiidae
- Genus: Sitotroga
- Scientific Name: Sitotroga cerealella
