White-shouldered house moth
Scientific name
Endrosis sarcitrella (L.)
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.
Images
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
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.
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