Angoumois Grain Moth

The Angoumois grain moth is named after the area in France where it was first noted infesting grain. These moths are around 1/3″ long with a wingspan of ½”, and colored a shade of tan or light brown. Adult moths are also attracted to light. Angoumois moth larvae are less than ¼” long, and white. The adult moth stage doesn’t cause damage, but lays the reddish eggs that hatch into damaging larvae. Preferred foods are whole grains like corn, rice, barley, or seeds. They have been known to infest grain both in the field, and in storage. The larva chews its way into the grain leaving a small, but visible hole. Sometimes they will spin cocoon material on the grain before they enter. After feeding on the inside of the grain, the larva eventually goes into a pupa stage and will later discard the ruined kernel. Angoumois moths generally only infest the surface of stored products – the first few inches or more, and seldom over a foot deep. Infested grain will have a bad smell, be lighter in weight, and have debris present on the surface. Although they will infest dried goods, they seem to have a preference for dampness.