The wingspan is about 12–20 mm (Robinson et al., 1994; Weinstein & Edwards, 1994;[2] Wang, 2000[3]), although given as a rather generous 24–37 mm in Goater (1986).[4]
Ecology
The larvae feed on a wide range of dead and decaying materials, including stored grain, meal, pulses, dried fruit, bones, animal hides (Goater, 1986; Robinson et al., 1994) and chocolate. Adults are primarily nocturnal, though easily disturbed by day in warehouses; they are attracted to ultraviolet light (Robinson et al., 1994). Weistein and Edwards (1994) found a self-sustaining population of this moth species feeding on bat guano in a cave.
References
^Robinson, G.S., Tuck, K.R. & Shaffer, M., 1994. A Field Guide to the Smaller Moths of South-East Asia. The Natural History Museum, London & Malaysian Nature Society, Kuala Lumpur. 307 pp.
^Weistein, P. & Edwards, E.D., 1994. Troglophilic moths in Australia: first record of a self-sustaining population. Journal of the Australian Entomological Society33: 371-319
^Wang, H.Y., 2000. Guide Book to Insects in Taiwan. 19, Pyraloidea (Pyralidae, Crambidae). Shu Shin Books, Taipei, Taiwan. xii+295 pp.
^Goater, B., 1986. British Pyralid Moths - A Guide to their Identification. Harley Books, Colchester, England. 175 pp.
