Cacao moth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cacao moth |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: |
Pyralidae
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| Tribe: |
Phycitini
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| Genus: |
Ephestia
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| Species: |
E. elutella
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| Binomial name | |
| Ephestia elutella (Hübner, 1796)
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| Synonyms | |
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Numerous, see text |
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The cacao moth, also known as the tobacco moth or warehouse moth, is a small moth. It belongs to a group of moths called the Pyralidae family. This moth probably came from Europe, but it has now spread to many places, even as far as Australia. There is also a special type of this moth called E. e. pterogrisella.
Contents
About the Cacao Moth
The scientific name for this moth is Ephestia elutella. It was first described in 1796.
What it Looks Like
The cacao moth is quite small. When its wings are spread out, they measure between 14 and 20 millimeters wide. That's about the size of a small coin!
Where it Lives and Flies
These moths are active during the warmer months of the year. For example, in places like Belgium and the Netherlands, you can see them flying from the end of April until October.
What it Eats (and Why it's a Pest!)
The young cacao moths, which are called caterpillars, are often seen as a problem. This is because they like to eat many kinds of dry plant foods.
They especially enjoy foods like cocoa beans and tobacco. They also eat cereals, dried fruit, and nuts. Sometimes, they might even eat less common things like dried meat, dead animal parts, or even dry wood. They can also be found in insect collections, eating the specimens!
