Snout Moths (Pyralidae)
Snout moths are a family of moths that have over 6000 species. They are the 3rd largest moth family in North America.
List of Moths in this Family
- Greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella)
- Lesser wax moth (Achroia grisella)
- Alligatorweed stem borer moth (Arcola malloi)
- Almond moth (Cadra cautella)
- Cacao moth (Ephestia elutella)
- Cactus moth (Cactoblastis cactorum)
- Dried fruit moth (Plodia interpunctella)
- Pantry moth (Plodia interpunctella)
- Mediterranean flour moth (Ephestia kuehniella)
- Grease moth (Aglossa cuprina)
- Zimmerman pine moth (Dioryctria zimmermani)
- Lesser cornstalk borer moth (Elasmopalpus lignosellus)
- Locust bean moth (Ectomyelois ceratoniae)
- Mahogany webworm moth (Macalla thyrsisalis)
- Bee moth (Aphomia sociella)
- Pear fruit borer moth (Blastodacna pyrigalla)
- Pine webworm moth (Pococera robustella)
- Raisin moth (Cadra figulilella)
- Rice moth (Corcyra cephalonica)
- Southern pine coneworm moth (Dioryctria amatella)
- Stored nut moth (Paralipsa gularis)
- Sunflower moth (Homoeosoma ellectellum)
Description and Identification
Caterpillar
Their colors vary, though most are green or brown.
Pupa
The pupae are dark brown and generally stay inside a cocoon during this stage.
Adult Moth
Sexual Dimorphism: Present but not prominent.
Color and Appearance
When the wings are opened, they are gray or brown. When closed, the cross-lined patterns are very easy to spot.
Average wingspan: 0.9-3.7 cm
Flight pattern: Erratic
Season: Year-round
Egg
Females lay the eggs on the preferred host plant.
Quick Facts
| Other names |
Pyralid moths, grass moths |
| Distribution |
Worldwide |
| Habitat |
Gardens, hedgerows, riverbanks, scrub, wetlands, and woodlands |
| Lifespan of Adults |
Not recorded |
| Host Plants |
Nettle, dry vegetables, fruits like apples and pears, nuts, seeds, etc. |
| Adult Diet |
Not recorded |
Did You Know
- French zoologist Pierre André Latreille first described this family of moths in 1809.
