InsectsinGrainBins-UniversityofTennesseesystem.pdfVIP

SP341-W Insects in Grain Bins Charles R. Patrick, Professor, Entomology and Plant Pathology Introduction One of the most common insects in stored grain is the Indian-meal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hubner). These moths are called “flour moths” in Tennessee because they feed on flour or milled products. In farm grain bins, they prefer broken grains or grains damaged by other pests and seldom attack sound grain kernels. They cause problems by spinning webbings as immature. This causes lower quality in stored grain. Life History and Description The Indian-meal moth (Fig. 1) is easily distinguished from other grain-infesting moths by the markings Figure 1. Indian-meal moth larva, adult. of its forewings. The outer two-thirds of the wings Photo credit: University of Georgia slide series. are brown with a copper luster. The inner wing area is whitish gray. The female moth deposits her eggs singly or in groups on the food material. After a few One recognizable feature about the larvae is the silken days, the eggs hatch and small whitish larvae emerge. threads they spin behind them as they crawl over a These larvae feed on broken grains or grain products. food source. This webbing can be quite extensive if The larvae are about one inch long when fully grown. large numbers of larvae are present. They are dirty white, sometimes varying to greenish or pinkish hues. The larva spins a silken cocoon and Control Measures transforms into a light brown pupa. The moth emerges Maintaining sound, clean grain, and preventing other about a week later. During warm periods, the entire insect damage in bins, will help prevent Indian-meal life cycle may take only six to eight weeks. moth infestations. Use an in