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Glite Dictionary
Ephestia

Ephestia

9.9
A small moth whose caterpillars make silk tunnels and eat stored food
  • noun
  • /ɛfˈɛstɪə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Ephestia
  • The larvae of Ephestia are notorious for contaminating stored grains.

Examples

  • The Ephestia larvae can cause significant damage to stored grains.

  • We found evidence of Ephestia in the damaged flour sacks.

  • Food warehouses must take measures to prevent Ephestia infestations.

  • Many Ephestias are found in pantries across the country.

  • Food warehouses must take measures to prevent Ephestia infestations.

  • The larvae of Ephestia are notorious for contaminating stored grains.

  • We found evidence of Ephestia in the damaged flour sacks.

Synonyms

Anagasta
vsEphestia
  • Specialized
9.9

A small moth whose caterpillars eat stored grain and flour

attacks a wider range of stored food products rather than mainly grains and flour
Sitotroga
vsEphestia
  • Specialized
9.9

A small moth whose young eat and damage stored grain

attacks a broader range of stored food products rather than only grain
fig moth
vsEphestia
8.6

An insect whose caterpillars eat and make webs in dried figs and other stored fruits

feeds on a wider range of stored foods rather than mostly dried fruits
Pyralididae
vsEphestia
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of moths that often damage crops and stored grain

is a specific genus within that family focused on stored food pests

Compounds

Ephestia elutella
  • Specialized
9.9

A small moth whose young eat tobacco and other dried plant foods in storage and damage them

Surface Forms

Ephestia singular
Ephestias plural

Etymology

Ephestia is the scientific name for a group of small moths whose larvae eat stored food. A helpful way to remember the name is to hear 'pest' and 'feast' in it, because these moths are 'pests' that 'feast' on grain and flour.