Angoumois Grain Moth
Sitotroga cerealella
Appearance
- They have a wingspan of 13-19 mm and a length of 6-9 mm.
- The forewings are clay-yellow and without markings; the hind wings are grey.
Lifecycle
- Females lay an average of 150 eggs.
- The caterpillar bores into a grain kernel after emerging from the egg, remaining there until fully developed.
- The development period depends on temperature; warmer countries have several generations per year.
Habits
- They are a primary pest of grain, which may be attacked in the field, although most damage occurs in storage.
- Attacks all types of cereal grains, particularly corn and wheat. The weight losses can be as much as 50% for wheat and 24% for corn.
- Badly infested grain has a sickening smell and taste that makes it unpalatable.