Tobacco Moth vs South American Flower Weevil
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Tobacco Moth | South American Flower Weevil |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ephestia elutella | Cholus cinctus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Pyralidae | Curculionidae |
| Size | 8-11 mm body; 14-20 mm wingspan | 15-25 mm |
| Habitat | Indoors | Forests |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | Worldwide in temperate and subtropical regions | South America (Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Tobacco Moth
A small greyish-brown moth that primarily infests stored tobacco but also attacks cocoa, cereals, and dried fruits. It is cold-tolerant and problematic in temperate warehouse environments.
Did You Know?
It is more cold-hardy than most stored product moths and can complete development at temperatures as low as 15 degrees Celsius.
South American Flower Weevil
A large, strikingly patterned weevil with a black body covered in brilliant turquoise and gold scale patterns. Its long, curved rostrum is used to bore into fruit and flower buds. It is one of the most visually striking weevils in the Neotropics.
Did You Know?
Its brilliant turquoise scales have a crystalline nanostructure that produces color through photonic crystal effects rather than pigments.