Page 70 - Florida Pest Control Examinations

ANGOUMOIS GRAIN MOTH

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

1.Antenna- long 6.Thorax ANGOUMOIS GRAIN MOTH
2.Eyes- compound 7.Petiole- none
3 . H e a d 8 . A b d o m e n 1
4.Legs- 6 9.Color- grayish to brown 5
5.Wings- long 10.Other- makes silken cocoon 4
Life Cycle
About 40 eggs are laid by the female on or near the infected product,
which hatch in about a week. The larvae go though three instars in
three weeks, and sometimes hibernate before changing into pupae
encased in cocoons. The moth can go through two to four generations
per year.
Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR
ANGOUMOIS GRAIN MOTH
Actual size 1/2”
The Angoumois Grain Moth is probably the second most prevalent moth infecting grain products. The
moth has a wingspan of about half an inch, and is grayish in color. The larvae will feed on rice, corn,
wheat, and other grains. It will only infect whole grains, and any products that it is found in will have a
sickly smell and taste. There will be a tiny silken cocoon in the infected grain kernel.

1.Antenna- segmented 6.Thorax MERCHANT GRAIN BEETLE
2.Eyes- compound 7.Petiole- none
3.Head 8.Abdomen- elongated 1 5
4.Legs- 6 9.Color- dark brown
5.Wings- under elytra 10.Other

Life Cycle
The female lays hundreds of eggs over several months, which hatch in
about two weeks. Larvae go through several molts, forming a cocoon.
The Merchant Grain beetle will go through its life cycle in as few as 30- 4 8
40 days.
Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR
MERCHANT GRAIN BEETLE
Actual size 1/8”
The Merchant Grain Beetle is similar in appearance to the Sawtooth Grain Beetle, with the most
noticeable difference that it has a swelling on the head behind the eye. Both have elongated
bodies. It is about 1/8th inch in size, and brown colored. It infests just about any type of dried
food product, especially cereals, but also grains, nuts, coconut, and candy bars.

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