White-shouldered house moth

Classification

Secondary pest; Grain feeder and fungus feeder
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Oecophoridae
Acronym: ESA

Description

• Adults are tan coloured with head, mouthparts and thorax covered in white scales.
• Adults have a wingspan of 15-20 mm and the labial palps are curved upwards.
• Larvae are free living, white with a reddish head and reach a length of 12 mm at maturity.

Similar species

• None

Commodities affected

• Feeds on stored grain, dried foods, animal and plant products, cereals, pulses, dried dog fruit and fungi
• May be associated with bird nests from which it may infest grain storage

Signs of infestation

• An abundance of grain connected by silken material is a sign of infestation, though not unique to this species.
• Presence of silk and frass (excrement) is also a sign.

Damage

• Damage is not distinctive
• Larvae produce silk webbing as they feed
• Irregular holes may be present in commodity attacked

How to control

• Control grain insect pests

Geographic range

• Is found worldwide though more common in temperate regions
• Is rarely intercepted in Canada and is only established in British Columbia

Where found

• Is generally classified as a scavenger
• Indicates aged residues and poor hygiene in storage if large numbers of moths are present
• Is more often found in association with grain stores

Life history

• Females lay eggs in crevices.
• Larvae require very high humidity (80%) to complete development.
• Pupation occurs on or near the food source.
• The white-shouldered house moth can breed continuously in stored products if conditions are suitable.