Tobacco Moth (Ephestia elutella)

The Tobacco Moth (Ephestia Elutella), prevalent globally in temperate northern regions, is a significant Pyralidae family member affecting dried plant materials. This overview aims to concisely cover its identification, life cycle, preferred commodities, and management strategies.

Tobacco moth (Ephestia elutella)

    Identify the Tobacco Moth

    The Tobacco Moth is characterized by its short, upward-curving labial palps. Adult moths have a forewing length of 7 – 14 mm, displaying a gray color with darker markings. The larvae, measuring 15 – 20 mm, are white to pink with black spots at the base of their hairs. The rim of the abdominal spiracles is evenly thickened, aiding in identification. It’s important to distinguish this moth from similar species like Hofmannophila and Corcyra, which requires examination of genitalia for accurate identification.

    • Size: 7-14 mm

    • Colour: gray color with darker markings

    • Larvae: white to pink with black spots, up to 20mm

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    From Tobacco Moth eggs to Tobacco Moth adults

    The female Tobacco Moth lays 100 to 200 eggs in clusters near the products over a two-week period. Larvae hatch in 10 to 14 days, feeding on the product and producing large webs of silk. They then move off the food to pupate in storage packaging or structures. The total development time varies from 82 to 206 days, depending on temperature, with optimal conditions being 40 days at 27°C and 75% relative humidity. The insect typically appears three to four times per year.

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    Impact of Infestation in commodities

    The Tobacco Moth prefers dried materials of plant origin, such as cereal products, oilseeds, cocoa, spices, nuts, dried fruit, processed foods, and tobacco products. The caterpillar is particularly damaging to dried tobacco, especially types with high sugar and low nicotine content. The larval feeding causes significant damage to tobacco, making effective pest management crucial.

    Get rid of the Tobacco Moth

    Effective management of Tobacco Moth infestations involves both preventive and active control measures. Regular inspection and maintaining clean storage environments are key to preventing infestations. When infestations occur, Controlled Atmosphere treatments are effective for infestations within products, while Heat Treatment is recommended for infestations in buildings.

    Tobacco Moth

    Explore CORESTA’s Guide on Controlled Atmosphere for the Tobacco Moth

    This guide provides detailed parameters for the use of controlled atmosphere (CA) treatments to effectively control Tobacco Moths, a major pest affecting stored tobacco. Discover the science behind CA treatments, which create an environment lethal to these pests by adjusting the levels of CO2, O2, and N2 in the air. With comprehensive insights into temperature and oxygen concentration management, practical implementation tips, and a review of large-scale trials and laboratory experiments.

    controlled atmosphere (CA) treatments guide

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Originally from temperate regions in the northern hemisphere, the Tobacco Moth has a worldwide distribution. It is intolerant of hot conditions and has been transported to various regions, including Australia.

    Similar species include Hofmannophila and Corcyra. Distinction from Cadra species is generally only reliable through examination of genitalia.

    The most common signs include the presence of silk webs on the surface of affected products, larvae (caterpillars) moving around or within the commodities, and damaged goods. You might also notice adult moths near the storage areas.

    To treat Tobacco Moth infestations, use Controlled Atmosphere treatments for products and Heat Treatment for faster treatment times. Controlled Atmosphere employs a non-toxic, low-oxygen environment in a sealed chamber or container, effective against all life stages (including eggs and larvae) of the beetle and environmentally friendly. Heat Treatment eradicates beetles by raising temperatures to lethal levels. Both methods are safe, efficient, and leave no harmful residues, ensuring effective pest management without environmental harm or resistance development in pests.

    Controlled Atmosphere for Pest Management

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