description Tobacco moth Overview
The tobacco moth (Ephestia elutella) is a small pyralid moth and a cosmopolitan pest of stored products. Its larvae damage harvested tobacco leaves and can also infest cocoa, cereals, dried fruit, rice, dehydrated vegetables, green coffee beans and oilseed products. The species is important to warehouses and food-storage operations because larval feeding damages and contaminates stored commodities during storage and transport.
help Tobacco moth FAQ
What is the scientific name of the tobacco moth?
The tobacco moth is Ephestia elutella. It is a small pyralid moth and a cosmopolitan pest of stored products.
What products can tobacco moth larvae infest?
The larvae can damage stored tobacco and infest cocoa, cereals, dried fruit, rice, dehydrated vegetables, green coffee beans, and oilseed products. This makes the species a storage and food-quality concern.
Is the tobacco moth the same species as the tobacco budworm?
No. The tobacco moth is Ephestia elutella, while the tobacco budworm is Chloridea virescens. The tobacco moth mainly attacks stored products, whereas the budworm damages growing crops.
Why is Ephestia elutella a problem in warehouses?
Its larvae feed on a wide range of dried and stored goods. An infestation can contaminate products and cause losses even after crops have been harvested and processed.
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