62.064 BF1473

Cacao Moth Ephestia elutella

(Hübner, 1796)

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Wingspan c.15-20 mm.

Quite a common and widespread moth, and something of a pest species in warehouses feeding on stored materials, especially cacao and tobacco, but also a range of others, such as cereals.

The adults are on the wing between June and October, and most often found in warehouses and the like, although sometimes are encountered outdoors.

Although similar to other Ephestia species, it is quite pale and most likely to be confused with E. parasitella, whereby reference to the structure of the genitalia may be necessary.