Ephestiodes gilvescentella

Ragonot, 1887

Dusky Raisin Moth

A small pyralid native to western North America, commonly encountered at blacklighting stations. The has been introduced to Hawaii through commercial activity. Its larvae feed on dried fruits and nuts, earning the 'dusky raisin moth.' The species is considered the most common moth in Davis, California, based on long-term blacklighting records.

Ephestiodes gilvescentella by no rights reserved, uploaded by Jesse Rorabaugh. Used under a CC0 license.Ephestiodes gilvescentella by (c) Victor Engel, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Victor Engel. Used under a CC-BY license.Ephestiodes gilvescentella by (c) Annika Lindqvist, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Annika Lindqvist. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ephestiodes gilvescentella: /ɛfɛstiˈoʊdiːz gɪlvɛsɛnˈtɛlə/

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

Identification

Small size (12–16 mm wingspan) distinguishes it from larger pyralid moths. The dusky coloration and association with dried fruit products may aid identification where other Ephestiodes occur. Confirmation typically requires genitalia dissection or molecular analysis.

Images

Appearance

Small with wingspan of 12–16 mm. Overall coloration dusky or grayish-brown, consistent with the . Specific wing pattern details are not well documented in available sources.

Habitat

Urban and suburban environments where dried fruit and nut products are stored or processed. Attracted to ultraviolet light at night.

Distribution

Native to western North America: recorded from California, Arizona, Oklahoma, Utah, Montana, Alberta, and British Columbia. Introduced to Hawaii.

Seasonality

Active year-round in suitable environments; attracted to blacklights during summer months in Davis, California, with records from July and August.

Diet

Larvae feed on raisins, prunes, walnuts, cones, and yeast.

Behavior

Strongly attracted to ultraviolet light; commonly collected at blacklighting displays. activity.

Ecological Role

Decomposer of dried plant material; minor pest of stored dried fruits and nuts.

Human Relevance

Minor pest of stored food products, particularly dried fruits and nuts. Frequently encountered by entomologists and citizen scientists during -watching events.

Similar Taxa

  • Cadra figuliellaAlso in Pyralidae, frequently collected at same blacklighting stations; differs in larval preferences and subtle morphological features
  • Other Ephestiodes species-level identification requires examination of genitalia or molecular markers

Tags

Sources and further reading