false cacao moth
Common Namefalse cacao moth
Scientific NameCorcyra cephalonica
FamilyPyralidae
SubfamilyGalleriinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, grey
HabitatStored product environments, warehouses, homes, agricultural facilities
Geographic RangeCosmopolitan (worldwide)
Host Plantsrice, maize, wheat, groundnuts, sesame, cocoa beans, dried fruits, spices
Flight PeriodYear-round (indoors)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host material, larvae feed on a wide range of stored products, pupation occurs in a silken cocoon, and adults emerge to mate and lay more eggs. Multiple generations can occur annually, especially in warm conditions.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, overall dull brownish-tan coloration with cryptic forewing patterns, and its common association with stored food products.
Description
A small, slender moth with mottled brownish-tan forewings featuring indistinct darker markings, and paler, often translucent hindwings.
