Aglossa cuprina
Encyclopedia
The unusual scavenger
species Aglossa cuprina, formerly named Aglossa pinguinalis
, is most commonly known as the Grease Moth. It belongs to lepidoptera
n family, Pyralidae
(the snout moths
). The grease moth is closely related to the genus Pyralis, and as a result, is usually associated with the meal moth, Pyralis farinalis
. Being a member of the order Lepidoptera, A. cuprina is characterized by a holometabolous life cycle and two pairs of overlapping, membranous, scaled-covered wings. It also possesses siphoning mouthparts
and filiform antennae
.
For the past 150 years, Aglossa cuprina has been best known for ingesting the grease produced by the bacteria that feeds on decaying matter, an activity that earned it the common name of grease moth.
in 1872. The specific epithet of A. pinguinalis, its other binomial name, is derived from the Latin
pinguinalis 'greasy'.
e also have black mandibles
and a black peritreme. They can be distinguished from the A. cuprealis larvae via setal differences. The pupae are reddish-brown with six curved, hooked setae.
The moth has a wingspan that averages about an inch and a half, and exhibits an overall dark, greyish-brown color. While the forewings are brownish-grey with pale yellowish markings (much like those of a tabby cat, hence the lesser-used common name), the top of the head and neck are simply pale yellowish. A. cuprina is also known for its filiform antennae.
They tend to inhabit areas around or in human habitation and buildings. When found in homes, they are generally found in the kitchen and more specifically in the pantry where their choice food source is stored. They are also commonly found in areas where dried grain products are stored, for example, warehouses and areas of grain elevators that remain undisturbed.
, graham flour, granola, and dried oats. The adults feed on butter, suet
, and grease, and have even been found in excrement. They have been known to feed on dried remains of other insects as well. The adults fly at dusk between June and July. They hide in dark corners during the day and can be found in stables, outhouses, barns, warehouses, and cellars. They are also attracted to light and sugar.
s’ feeding habits. Grease moth larvae infest dried grain products and as it feeds it produces a silken substance that intertwines with the surrounding product. With substantial infestations, the larvae will spread throughout the product and with them spread their silk rendering the product unsellable. Most infestations occur in products that are stored for long periods of time in storage facilities.
In addition to stored product entomology, recently evidence suggests that A. cuprina may soon play a role in Medicocriminal entomology. A. cuprina was recently found feeding on the greasy remains of a deceased individual. The use of A. cuprina as an insect of significant forensic importance is still being researched.
Once the eggs have hatched, the larvae will remain in the larval stage for approximately 2–41 weeks before pupating. The larval stage prefers to live in dark secluded environments, and creates flexible tubular galleries where they spend the majority of their larval stage. The galleries are supported by silken fibers produced by the larvae.
Prior to pupation, the larvae leave their galleries and disperse to a suitable location. They entangle themselves with a loose, tough silken cover that they interweave with nearby material. The nearby materials provide structure to the silken covering and camouflage the moth while it undergoes metamorphosis. The duration spent in each stage of development is temperature dependent. The life cycle of A. cuprina has been recorded to range from approximately 12 months to over 2 years depending on weather and temperature conditions. The imago
, adult insect, stage emerges in early summer and inhabits the northeastern and southeastern portions of the United States.
Scavenger
Scavenging is both a carnivorous and herbivorous feeding behavior in which individual scavengers search out dead animal and dead plant biomass on which to feed. The eating of carrion from the same species is referred to as cannibalism. Scavengers play an important role in the ecosystem by...
species Aglossa cuprina, formerly named Aglossa pinguinalis
Aglossa pinguinalis
Aglossa pinguinalis, also known as the Large Tabby, is a moth in the Pyralinae family....
, is most commonly known as the Grease Moth. It belongs to lepidoptera
Lepidoptera
Lepidoptera is a large order of insects that includes moths and butterflies . It is one of the most widespread and widely recognizable insect orders in the world, encompassing moths and the three superfamilies of butterflies, skipper butterflies, and moth-butterflies...
n family, Pyralidae
Pyralidae
The Pyralidae or snout moths are a family of Lepidoptera in the ditrysian superfamily Pyraloidea. In many classifications, the grass moths are included in the Pyralidae as a subfamily, making the combined group one of the largest families in the Lepidoptera...
(the snout moths
Moths
Moths may refer to:* Gustav Moths , German rower* The Moths!, an English indie rock band* MOTHS, members of the Memorable Order of Tin Hats...
). The grease moth is closely related to the genus Pyralis, and as a result, is usually associated with the meal moth, Pyralis farinalis
Pyralis farinalis
The Meal Moth is a cosmopolitan moth of the family Pyralidae. Its larvae are pest of certain stored foods, namely milled plant products....
. Being a member of the order Lepidoptera, A. cuprina is characterized by a holometabolous life cycle and two pairs of overlapping, membranous, scaled-covered wings. It also possesses siphoning mouthparts
Insect mouthparts
Insects exhibit a range of mouthparts, adapted to particular modes of feeding. The earliest insects had chewing mouthparts...
and filiform antennae
Antenna (biology)
Antennae in biology have historically been paired appendages used for sensing in arthropods. More recently, the term has also been applied to cilium structures present in most cell types of eukaryotes....
.
For the past 150 years, Aglossa cuprina has been best known for ingesting the grease produced by the bacteria that feeds on decaying matter, an activity that earned it the common name of grease moth.
Taxonomy
A. cuprina was named by the German entomologist Philipp Christoph ZellerPhilipp Christoph Zeller
Philipp Christoph Zeller was a German entomologist.Zeller was born at Steinheim Württemberg, two miles from Marbach, the birthplace of Schiller. The family moved to Frankfurt where Philip went to the gymnasium where natural history was not taught. Instead, helped by Alois Metzner, he taught...
in 1872. The specific epithet of A. pinguinalis, its other binomial name, is derived from the Latin
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
pinguinalis 'greasy'.
Description
At the egg stage, A. cuprina is of a rounded oval shape, and gives off a white color. During the larval stage, A. cuprina has a brownish head and greyish body. The A. cuprina larvaLarva
A larva is a distinct juvenile form many animals undergo before metamorphosis into adults. Animals with indirect development such as insects, amphibians, or cnidarians typically have a larval phase of their life cycle...
e also have black mandibles
Mandible (arthropod)
thumb|250px|The mandibles of a [[Bull ant]]The mandible of an arthropod is either of a pair of mouthparts used for biting, cutting and holding food. Mandibles are often simply referred to as jaws. Mandibles are present in the extant subphyla Myriapoda , Crustacea and Hexapoda...
and a black peritreme. They can be distinguished from the A. cuprealis larvae via setal differences. The pupae are reddish-brown with six curved, hooked setae.
The moth has a wingspan that averages about an inch and a half, and exhibits an overall dark, greyish-brown color. While the forewings are brownish-grey with pale yellowish markings (much like those of a tabby cat, hence the lesser-used common name), the top of the head and neck are simply pale yellowish. A. cuprina is also known for its filiform antennae.
Distribution
A. cuprina has been found in places worldwide including Europe, Asia, Australia, North America, and South America. A. cuprina is distributed throughout eastern North America and sightings of A. cuprina have been recorded in California, Arkansas, Arizona, Connecticut, District of Colombia, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin. The moth stage is generally found in early summer between the months of May and August.They tend to inhabit areas around or in human habitation and buildings. When found in homes, they are generally found in the kitchen and more specifically in the pantry where their choice food source is stored. They are also commonly found in areas where dried grain products are stored, for example, warehouses and areas of grain elevators that remain undisturbed.
Behavior
Aglossa cuprina has similar feeding habits to those of the Grains Moths. The larval stages feed primarily on dried grain based products including corn meal, whole wheat flourWhole wheat flour
Whole wheat flour is a powdery substance derived by grinding or mashing the wheat's whole grain. It is used in baking but typically added to other "white" flours to provide nutrients , texture, and body to the finished product....
, graham flour, granola, and dried oats. The adults feed on butter, suet
Suet
Suet is raw beef or mutton fat, especially the hard fat found around the loins and kidneys.Suet has a melting point of between 45° and 50°C and congelation between 37° and 40°C....
, and grease, and have even been found in excrement. They have been known to feed on dried remains of other insects as well. The adults fly at dusk between June and July. They hide in dark corners during the day and can be found in stables, outhouses, barns, warehouses, and cellars. They are also attracted to light and sugar.
Forensic importance
A. cuprina is often involved in stored product entomology. Stored product entomologists often advise producers on ways to reduce the chances of insect infestation and thus remain under food defect action levels. A. cuprina is a common aspect of stored product entomology due to its caterpillarCaterpillar
Caterpillars are the larval form of members of the order Lepidoptera . They are mostly herbivorous in food habit, although some species are insectivorous. Caterpillars are voracious feeders and many of them are considered to be pests in agriculture...
s’ feeding habits. Grease moth larvae infest dried grain products and as it feeds it produces a silken substance that intertwines with the surrounding product. With substantial infestations, the larvae will spread throughout the product and with them spread their silk rendering the product unsellable. Most infestations occur in products that are stored for long periods of time in storage facilities.
In addition to stored product entomology, recently evidence suggests that A. cuprina may soon play a role in Medicocriminal entomology. A. cuprina was recently found feeding on the greasy remains of a deceased individual. The use of A. cuprina as an insect of significant forensic importance is still being researched.
Research
Research on the species' life cycle has yet to be completed, but it has been shown to have a similar life cycle to that of Aglossa caprealis. A. caprealis lays an average of 60-300 eggs during a single reproductive cycle. The eggs are commonly laid on overhanging supports. The time it takes for the eggs to hatch is temperature dependent and take between 2–14 days to hatch.Once the eggs have hatched, the larvae will remain in the larval stage for approximately 2–41 weeks before pupating. The larval stage prefers to live in dark secluded environments, and creates flexible tubular galleries where they spend the majority of their larval stage. The galleries are supported by silken fibers produced by the larvae.
Prior to pupation, the larvae leave their galleries and disperse to a suitable location. They entangle themselves with a loose, tough silken cover that they interweave with nearby material. The nearby materials provide structure to the silken covering and camouflage the moth while it undergoes metamorphosis. The duration spent in each stage of development is temperature dependent. The life cycle of A. cuprina has been recorded to range from approximately 12 months to over 2 years depending on weather and temperature conditions. The imago
Imago
In biology, the imago is the last stage of development of an insect, after the last ecdysis of an incomplete metamorphosis, or after emergence from the pupa where the metamorphosis is complete...
, adult insect, stage emerges in early summer and inhabits the northeastern and southeastern portions of the United States.
Further reading
- Ackermann A. “Occurrence of Aglossa pinguinalis inchworms in the intestine.” Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift. 95-96. Vol. 35. 1909. ISI Web of Knowledge. Medical Sciences Library, College Station, TX. 17 Mar. 2009.
- Buckler, William, Stainton, Henry Tibbats, and George T. Porritt. The Larvae of the British butterflies and moths. Vol. 9. London: Ray Society, 1901. 28 Jan. 2007. The Library of Congress, Ann Arbor, MI. Google books. Pg. 26-36. 16 Mar. 2009.
- Butler, Edward Albert. Our Household Insect: an account of the insect-pests found in dwelling-houses. New York: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1893. 29 Jan. 2008. Harvard University Library, Cambridge, MA. Google books. 10 Mar. 2009.
- Carter, James David. Pest Lepidoptera of Europe: With Special Reference to the British Isles. Springer, 1984. Google books. Pg. 204. 16 Mar. 2009.
- Entomological Society of Washington, Smithonian Institution Dept. of Entomology. Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington. Vol. 10. Washington D.C.: The Entomological Society of Washington, 1909. 25 Jan. 2008. Google books. Pg. 97-217. 10 Mar. 2009.
- Fraval, Alain, and Claire Villemant. Three Successive Regulation Patterns of Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera, Lymantriidae) Populations in the Mamora Cork Oak Forest. Le Courrier De L’Environment De L’Inra. 13 Mar. 2009.
- Humphreys, Henry Noel, and Obadiah Westwood. British moths and their transformations. Vol. 2. London: 1845. 11 Sept. 2006. Google books. Pg. 90. 17 Mar 2009.
- Pinero, FS. “Coprophagy in Lepidoptera: observational and experimental evidence in the pyralid moth Aglossa pinguinalis.” Journal of Zoology. Vol. 244. Mar. 1998. Pg. 357. ISI Web of Knowledge. Medical Science Library, College Station, TX. 19 March 2009.
- Sheppard, A.C. "Palaerctic Lepidoptera in the Province of Quebec." Ann Entomol Soc Quebec (Sep. 1974): 119-120. Agricola. EBSCO. Medical Science Library, College Station, TX. 17 Mar. 2009.
- Solis, Anna M. “Pyraloidea and Their Known Hosts (Insecta: Lepidoptera) of Plummers Island, Maryland.” Pg.18. Bulletin of the Biological Society of Washington. 10 Mar. 2009.
- Solis & Shaffer. (1999). Contribution Towards the Study of the Pyralinae (Pyralidae): Historical Review, Morphology, and nomenclature. Journal of the Lepidopterists' Society.. 53. (1), 1-10.
- Perez-Lopez, F.J. “The coprophagous specialization in the larvae of Aglossa pinguinalis (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae).” SHILAP Revista de Lepidopterologica [SHILAP Rev. Lepidopterol.]. 41-48. Vol. 30. 2002. Entomology Abstracts. ProQuest. Medical Sciences Library, College Station, TX. 17 Mar. 2009.
- Work, Timothy and Deborah McCullough. "Lepidopteran Communities in Two Forest Ecosystem During the First Gypsy Moth Outbreaks in Northern Michigan ." Environmental Entomology 29.5Oct 2000 884-900. 10 Mar 2009.