Grain Moth Parasitoid vs Tropical Warehouse Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Grain Moth Parasitoid Tropical Warehouse Moth
Scientific Name Pteromalus cerealellae Ephestia cautella
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Pteromalidae Pyralidae
Size 1.5-3 mm 8-12 mm body; 15-22 mm wingspan
Habitat Indoors Indoors
Diet Parasitoids Fruit Feeders
Regions Worldwide Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Grain Moth Parasitoid

A small metallic parasitoid wasp that attacks stored-product moth larvae and pupae. It is found in grain stores and warehouses globally.

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Did You Know?

This wasp can detect host larvae hidden inside grain kernels using chemical and vibrational cues.

Tropical Warehouse Moth

A common pest of stored products in tropical and subtropical warehouses. Its larvae produce frass and webbing that contaminate large quantities of stored commodities.

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Did You Know?

It is the most economically damaging moth pest of stored cocoa beans in West Africa.