Aglossa
Latreille, 1796
Tabby Moths
Aglossa is a of small in the , established by Pierre André Latreille in 1796. The genus is notable for unusual larval feeding habits, with some consuming non- materials including dead , manure, and straw. One species, A. pinguinalis, has been experimentally confirmed as . The genus is predominantly western Eurasian in distribution, though some species have been to other regions.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Aglossa: /əˈɡlɒsə/
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Habitat
Caves and sheltered environments for some ; A. pinguinalis occur primarily inside caves where they are approximately 700 times more abundant than in open field conditions. The occupies diverse including stored grain facilities and natural shelters.
Distribution
Western Eurasia primarily; some elsewhere. Specific distribution records include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Vermont, USA.
Diet
of some feed on dead , manure, straw, and excrement. A. pinguinalis larvae are confirmed coprophages, feeding primarily on mammalian (98% of observed diet) with no recorded consumption of detritus. A. signicostalis larvae are myrmecophilous. of A. cuprina have been observed consuming fats such as suet.
Life Cycle
A. pinguinalis requires two years to complete larval development. construct tubes connecting food sources with shelter chambers.
Behavior
of A. pinguinalis construct tubes linking food sources to shelter chambers. of A. cuprina exhibit atypical feeding for by consuming solid fats.
Ecological Role
through consumption of detritus and fecal matter; in A. pinguinalis contributes to decomposition in cave .
Human Relevance
A. caprealis is known as the stored grain and is a pest of stored products. A. cuprina, the grease moth, feeds on fats and can be a nuisance in food .