Indian meal moth

Taxobox
name = Indianmeal moth

---

image_caption = Adult moths mating
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Arthropoda
classis = Insecta
ordo = Lepidoptera
familia = Pyralidae
subfamilia = Phycitinae
genus = "Plodia"
genus_authority = Guenée, 1845
diversity_link = Plodia
diversity = 1 species (?)
species = "P. interpunctella"
binomial = "Plodia interpunctella"
binomial_authority = (Hübner, 1813)
synonyms =
* "Plodia interpunctalis" Taxobox_authority|author=Hübner|date=1825
* "Plodia zeae" Taxobox_authority|author=Fitch|date=1856
* "Plodia castaneella" Taxobox_authority|author = Reutti|date=1898
* "Plodia latercula" Taxobox_authority|author = Hampson|date=1901
* "Plodia glycinivora" Taxobox_authority|author = Matsumura|date=1917
* "Plodia glycinivorella" Taxobox_authority|author = Matsumura|date=1920

The Indianmeal moth ("Plodia interpunctella") is a moth of the family Pyralidae. Its larva is a common grain-feeding pest found around the world, feeding on cereals and dry grain products (see Waxworms).

Identification

The outer two thirds of the forewings are bronze or copper in color while the upper third are yellowish-gray, with a dark band at the interface between the two. The wingspan is 16-20 mm.

Up to 300 eggs are laid directly onto the food surface. These are smaller than 0.5 mm and not sticky. The larvae (Waxworms) are off-white, with a brown head and approximately 12 mm long when mature.

They are commonly called "flour moths" or "pantry moths."

A similar species is the almond moth, "Ephestia kautella".

ystematics

The genus "Plodia" is closely related to the genera "Cadra" and "Ephestia", [Horak 1994] which both have also pest species.

Pest Control

After larvae or moths have been found, it is important to throw out all grains (cereal, bread, pasta, rice), spices (saltFact|date=October 2007, etc.), dried fruits (raisins), and any other food source that is not in a very tightly sealed container. The moths are able to get into surprisingly tight spots, including sealed bags and Tupperware containers. The food they infest will often seem to be webbed together. They are also notoriously difficult to get rid of. They also crawl on ceilings.

Last instar larvae are able to travel significant distances before they pupate. When seeking the source of an infestation, do not limit your searches to the immediate area where pupae are discovered [Fasulo and Knox 2008] .

One way to keep the moths away is to place Bay Leaves in the food containers along with the original grains.Fact|date=December 2007 Though products already affected should still be thrown away.

Some people place questionable items in the freezer or refrigerator during the cleanout phase.

Nontoxic traps are also available to cut down on the movement of adult moths. For example, one type of trap is a triangular box with a lure inside and sticky walls. Moths are attracted inside by the lure and then stuck inside the box. Moths often do not even need a lure, common glue traps work well to reduce the number of adults.Fact|date=March 2008

See also

*Waxworms

Footnotes

References

* cite web
title = Fact Sheet: Indianmeal Moth
url = http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2089.html
author = William F. Lyon
publisher = Ohio State University Extension
accessdate = 2006-09-07

* cite web
title = Indianmeal moth, "Plodia interpunctella" Hübner
url = http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/urban/stored/indianmeal_moth.htm
author = Fasulo TR, Knox MA
publisher = UF / IFAS Featured Creatures
accessdate = 2008-07-15

* (1994): A Review of "Cadra" Walker in Australia: Five New Native Species and the Two Introduced Pest Species (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae: Phycitinae). "J. Aust. ent. Soc." 33: 245-262. DOI|10.1111/j.1440-6055.1994.tb01226.x [http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1440-6055.1994.tb01226.x PDF]

Gallery

External links

* [http://crawford.tardigrade.net/bugs/BugofMonth30.html Scarabogram Bug of the Month: Indianmeal Moth]
* [http://www.springstar.net/products/bcflourandpantry.html SpringStar Non-toxic Flour/Pantry Moth Traps]
* [http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05598.pdf Home and Garden: Indianmeal Moth]
* [http://www.ozanimals.com/Insect/Indian-Meal-Moth/Plodia/interpunctella.html OzAnimals - Indianmeal Moth]
* [http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7452.html University of California Integrated Pest Management] : - Pantry Pests
* [http://www.laddresearch.com/Traps/Tanglefoot_Pantry_Trap_System/Indian_Meal_Moth_-_Identificat/indian_meal_moth_-_identificat.html Ladd Research] : Indian Meal Moth - Identification
* [http://getridofthings.com/get-rid-of-moths.htm Get Rid of Things] : How to Get Rid of Moths