Distribution of Angoumois Grain Moth 1 , Almond Moth 2 , and Indian Meal Moth in Rice Fields and Rice Storages in Texas as Indicated by Pheromone-Baited Adhesive Traps 3

Abstract

Sticky traps baited with synthetic sex pheromones captured almond moths, Ephestia cautella (Walker), in storage environments and Angoumois grain moths, Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier), in both storage and field environments. Angoumois grain moths were captured in fields 0.9 km from a known source of infestation and also were captured in a forest about 5 km from the nearest storage facilities or fields. Populations in storage environments were high during all warm months but were reduced somewhat during August and September by sanitation and control programs in the structures. Populations in field environments were highest in August, but were detectable during all months except January and February. The Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hubner), was relatively uncommon in and around storages and was absent in fields. The almond moth was common in and around storages but was extremely rare in field environments. Almond moth populations showed seasonal trends similar to those of the Angoumois grain moth, but the latter species was much more abundant.