Species Details
Cadra cautella
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum Read more about this collection »
Common NameDried Currant or Almond Moth
SeasonalityAnytime.
IdentificationA medium sized Pyralid with a wingspan of 15-20 mm. The basal part of the forewings is pale brownish and the outer part darker brown. Darker AM and PM lines are present. The hindwings are pale white with darker veins. One of a number of household pests of which the commonest is Plodia interpunctella which has the basal part of the forewings pale and the outer part reddish-brown. Ephestia kuehniella has a wingspan of around 22 mm, and uniformly gray forewings with zigzag AM lines. In the Family Pyralidae, subfamily Phycitinae. Formerly called Ephestia cautella (Wlk.)
Scientific Name
Cadra cautella
Common Name
Dried Currant or Almond Moth
Habitat
Inside houses or areas where stored vegetable material is kept.
Seasonality
Anytime.
Identification
A medium sized Pyralid with a wingspan of 15-20 mm. The basal part of the forewings is pale brownish and the outer part darker brown. Darker AM and PM lines are present. The hindwings are pale white with darker…
A medium sized Pyralid with a wingspan of 15-20 mm. The basal part of the forewings is pale brownish and the outer part darker brown. Darker AM and PM lines are present. The hindwings are pale white with darker veins. One of a number of household pests of which the commonest is Plodia interpunctella which has the basal part of the forewings pale and the outer part reddish-brown. Ephestia kuehniella has a wingspan of around 22 mm, and uniformly gray forewings with zigzag AM lines. In the Family Pyralidae, subfamily Phycitinae. Formerly called Ephestia cautella (Wlk.)
Life History
The larvae live in silken, frass-filled galleries in the food source and later spin a silken cocoon.
Conservation
Of no concern.
Diet Info
Dried fruits, nuts and grains.
Range
A pest species, found throughout the world. Not reported from Alberta by Bowman (1951).
Citation
Page Citation for Cadra cautella
Page Citation
"Species Details - Cadra cautella, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-24041. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
References
Author
Covell, C. V., Jr.
Title
A field guide to the moths of eastern North America.
Publication Date
1984
Pages
496
Author
Bowman, K.
Title
An annotated list of the Lepidoptera of Alberta.
Publication Date
1951
Series Title
Canadian Journal of Zoology
Volume
29
Pages
121-165
Author
Goater, Barry
Title
British Pyralid Moths, a guide to their identification.
Publication Date
1986
Author
Forbes, W.T.M.
Title
Lepidoptera of New York and Neighboring States. Primitive Forms, Microlepidoptera, Pyraloids, Bombyces.
Publication Date
1923
Series Title
Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station. Memoir
Volume
68
Pages
1-729
Specimen Information
There is 1 specimen of this Species.
BIRD33126 - Cadra cautella
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Erskine
Collected ByBird, C. D.
Date Collected2010-03-23
Adult Seasonal Distribution
- Specimens collected within a specified date range, but specimens collected at the same date and location are counted as one specimen.
- All specimens collected within a specified date range