Cadra

Walker, 1864

Species Guides

Cadra cautella(Almond moth)
Cadra figulilella(raisin moth)

Cadra is a of small in the Pyralidae, Phycitinae. The genus is characterized by reduced forewing venation with 4, 7, and 9 absent, resulting in nine forewing veins total. Several are significant stored product pests, particularly of dry plant materials including seeds, nuts, and dried fruits. The genus is closely related to Ephestia, and species are sometimes assigned interchangeably between the two genera in non-entomological literature.

Cadra cautella by (c) Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Cadra cautella male LCR by Birgit E. Rhode, Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd.. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Buckler W The larvæ of the British butterflies and moths Plate CLVI by William Buckler. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cadra: //ˈka.dra//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from similar , particularly Ephestia, by the specific reduction in forewing venation: absence of 4, 7, and 9. This venation pattern is the primary diagnostic character for the genus. Separation from Ephestia may require examination of genitalia or molecular analysis, as the two genera are closely related and some have been transferred between them.

Images

Appearance

Small with reduced forewing venation: 4, 7, and 9 are absent, leaving nine veins in the forewing. Typical Phycitinae with snout-like labial palps. Specific coloration and pattern vary by .

Habitat

Associated with stored products, dry plant materials, and agricultural commodities. occur in storage facilities, warehouses, and processing environments handling seeds, nuts, dried fruits, and cocoa products. Natural include areas with fallen dry fruits, carob pods, and other dried plant matter.

Distribution

Widespread distribution with recorded in North America (California, Florida), Europe (Denmark, Norway, Sweden), Eastern Mediterranean region, Australia, South America, and Africa. Specific distributions vary by species.

Seasonality

are attracted to ultraviolet light at night, with activity recorded during summer months in temperate regions. Year-round activity likely in indoor storage environments with stable conditions.

Diet

Larvae feed on dry plant materials including seeds, nuts, dried fruits (raisins, dates, figs, prunes, peaches, apricots, pears), carob pods, cocoa beans, cocoa powder, cottonseed cake, and yeasts. Several are specialized stored product pests.

Life Cycle

Complete with , larva, pupa, and stages. Developmental time varies by substrate; studies on Cadra cautella show shorter development on cocoa powder compared to cocoa beans. Larval feeding occurs within or on dry food substrates.

Behavior

; attracted to ultraviolet light. Larvae feed on dry plant materials, often within stored products. Females exhibit oosorption (resorption of developing ), with the bursa copulatrix involved in storage and distribution of metabolites during this process.

Ecological Role

Stored product pest causing economic damage to agricultural commodities, particularly dried fruits, nuts, seeds, and cocoa products. Contributes to food spoilage and economic losses in storage and processing facilities.

Human Relevance

Several are significant agricultural pests. Cadra cautella (almond moth) and Cadra figulilella (raisin moth) are notable pests of stored products. result in economic losses through direct consumption, , and quality degradation of food commodities. Management is required in food storage and processing facilities.

Similar Taxa

EphestiaClosely related that may be a senior synonym; are sometimes assigned interchangeably between Cadra and Ephestia in non-entomological sources. Distinguished by genitalic and molecular characters.

More Details

Taxonomic Uncertainty

The relationship between Cadra and Ephestia remains unresolved; Ephestia may represent a senior synonym of Cadra. This taxonomic ambiguity leads to inconsistent assignments between the two in literature and databases.

Notable Pest Species

Cadra cautella (almond moth) and Cadra figulilella (raisin moth, also known as Cadra figuliella in some sources) are economically important pests with documented impacts on cocoa, dried fruits, and nuts.