European grain moth
Common NameEuropean grain moth
Scientific NameNemapogon granella
FamilyTineidae
SubfamilyTineinae
Wingspan (mm)12
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, white, black
HabitatGranaries, warehouses, homes, food storage areas, sometimes woodlands where fungi grow
Geographic RangeCosmopolitan, particularly prevalent in Europe and North America
Host Plantsstored grains, dried fruits, fungi, seeds, nuts
Flight PeriodMay to September (outdoors), year-round (indoors)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are creamy white with a brown head, feeding on stored grains and other dry organic matter, often spinning silken tunnels.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, the distinctive mottled brown and white forewing pattern, and its common association with stored food products in human environments.
Description
A small moth with mottled forewings featuring a mix of dark brown, black, and white scales, giving it a cryptic appearance. It has long, slender antennae and a hairy, light-colored head.
