Mediterranean flour moth
Species of moth / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Mediterranean flour moth or mill moth (Ephestia kuehniella)[1] is a moth of the family Pyralidae.[2] It is a common pest of cereal grains, especially flour. This moth is found throughout the world, especially in countries with temperate climates.[3] It prefers warm temperatures for more rapid development, but it can survive a wide range of temperatures.[3]
Mediterranean flour moth | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Lepidoptera |
Family: | Pyralidae |
Genus: | Ephestia |
Species: | E. kuehniella |
Binomial name | |
Ephestia kuehniella Zeller, 1879 | |
Synonyms | |
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The Mediterranean flour moth is frequently found in warm places with stored grain products, such as flour mills and bakeries, where it can breed year round. Flour mills have a particular problem with the Mediterranean flour moth because the caterpillars spin silk that clogs machinery. The most effective pest control strategy for this moth is sanitation of facilities and sealing grain containers to prevent infestation, but some pesticides may also be used.[4]