Ephestiodes gilvescentella

Ragonot, 1887

Dusky Raisin Moth

A small to western North America, commonly encountered at blacklighting stations. The has been to Hawaii through commercial activity. Its 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.

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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 . The dusky coloration and association with dried fruit products may aid identification where other Ephestiodes occur. Confirmation typically requires dissection or molecular analysis.

Images

Appearance

Small with wingspan of 12–16 mm. Overall coloration dusky or grayish-, consistent with the . Specific 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

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

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

Behavior

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

Ecological Role

of dried 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 and citizen scientists during -watching events.

Similar Taxa

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

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Sources and further reading