The biology of Ephestia elutella

A review is presented detailing the biology of Ephestia elutella(Hübner) including the morphology, development, trophic biology and reproduction of this insect. Moths mate within the first few days after emergence, and females lay 150–200 eggs on the food source. Eggs hatch within a week, the larvae burrowing down into the food and remaining hidden for several months. At the fifth instar, larvae begin to wander, leaving the food and climbing surfaces to enter diapause and overwinter. Final instar larvae pupate at the beginning of summer, emerging within a month and a half to produce the next generation of adults. Details of the pheromonal stimulation of mating and both male and female behaviour are outlined, and the predators and parasitoids of this insect are listed.