Storage pests of Sweet Sorghum : Indian Meal Moth

The Indian meal moth is also called the meal worm moth.

Nature of damage:

This pest causes serious damage to the panicles and grain, contaminates the grain with excrement, cast skins, webbings, dead individuals and cocoons. The insect prefers to feed on the germ portion, hence the grains lose viability.

Grains attacked:

The important crop grains attacked by this insect include maize, cereals, groundnuts and cereal products.

Identification:

• The basal half of the fore wing is silver white or grayish in color, the outer 2/3 portion has reddish to copper bronze luster with irregular bands.

• Hind wings are long silvery grey with silky fringes .

• Thorax is slightly darker and has reddish scales.

• When the insect is at rest, the antennae cross 2/3 of the body size and rest on the wings.

Other Information:

Cold temperature is not favorable for the development of this insect.