Angoumois Grain Moth (Sitotroga cerealella)
Biology: The Angoumois grain moth has a wingspan of up to 18 mm. The wings are stretched, pointed and feature long fringes at the posterior edge. The forewings have a dull clayey yellow colour with black dots. The larvae grow to 7 mm, are at first yellow-red and later turn white. They live inside cereal grains and are therefore hard to find. The caterpillars hollow out the entire grain and pupate inside.
Damage: This hollowing out of the grains causes the most damage. All grain types are affected, in particular wheat and maize, but also rice, millet, legumes, sweet chestnuts and cocoa beans. The odour and taste of the infested products are severely affected.