description Potato tuber moth Overview
The potato tuber moth is Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller, 1873), a moth in the family Gelechiidae and a pest of solanaceous crops. Its larvae mine leaves and stems and tunnel into potato tubers, where feeding can reduce marketability and continue during storage; related host plants include tomato, eggplant, and tobacco. The species has a cosmopolitan distribution and occurs in potato-growing regions around the world. [NCBI taxonomy record](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Browser/wwwtax.cgi?id=192464) [University of Florida pest profile](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1031)
help Potato tuber moth FAQ
What is the scientific name of the potato tuber moth?
The potato tuber moth is Phthorimaea operculella, described by Zeller in 1873. It belongs to the family Gelechiidae.
What damage does the potato tuber moth cause?
Its larvae mine leaves and stems and tunnel into potato tubers. The feeding can reduce the crop's market value and continue while potatoes are in storage.
Which crops does the potato tuber moth attack?
Potato is its best-known host, but it is a pest of solanaceous crops more broadly. Solanaceous plants include tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and related crops.
Why can potato tuber moth infestations continue after harvest?
Larvae can feed inside stored potato tubers, where the damage may remain hidden until potatoes are handled or cut. This makes the insect both a field pest and a storage pest.
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