Clothes Moth Research Articles

Time-mortality relationships for different species and developmental stages of clothes moths (Lepidoptera: Tineidae) exposed to cold

Time-mortality relationships of different developmental stages of clothes moths, Tinea and Tineola species, were studied for exposure to −20°C. A model presented to describe the survival curves fitted the data well and was useful for estimating exposure times needed to reach a required percentage mortality for disinfestation treatments. Tineola bisselliella was the most tolerant of the four tineid species tested and eggs were the most tolerant developmental stage. Complete kill of T. bisselliella eggs was achieved within 30 h exposure to −20°C.

Purification of cysteine lyase from larvae of the webbing clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella

Larvae of the webbing clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella, have in their gut cysteine lyase/desulphydrase which catalyses the release of H 2S from cysteine. The H 2S-releasing activity rapidly declines in larval extracts due, probably, to the presence of the digestive proteases of the insect. When larval extracts were subjected to the phase separation technique of Bordier, using Triton X114, the bulk of this activity, cysteine lyase, partitioned into the detergent-rich phase, away from the protease activity in the detergent-poor phase. Cysteine lyase was purified from such an extract using successive steps of anion-exchange chromatography (twice at pH 7.4), hydrophobic interaction chromatography, gel filtration chromatography and finally anion-exchange chromatography at pH 8.7. The purified enzyme gave a single broad protein band on native PAGE, coincident with a band of H 2S-releasing activity.

Identification of a Key Enzyme in the Digestion of Wool by Larvae of the Webbing Clothes Moth,Tineola bisselliella

An important step in the digestion of wool by certain insect pests is the reductive cleavage of protein disulphide bonds to open the fibre for protease action. For larvae of the webbing clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella, two enzymes have been suggested as being involved in this process, cystine reductase and cysteine lyase/desulphydrase. In the present study, cystine reductase is shown not to be present in T. bisselliellalarvae. An earlier study, showing that cysteine lyase/desulphydrase is present in these larvae, is confirmed and extended to demonstrate that the activity is localised to the gut of larvae. This activity is also present in the larval gut of another clothes moth, Tinea pellionella, but is absent from the gut of the carpet beetle, Anthrenus flavipes, suggesting that larvae of moths and beetles use different mechanisms to reduce the disulphide bonds of wool.

A model for time-temperature-mortality relationships for eggs of the webbing clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella (Lepidoptera: Tineidae), exposed to cold

Abstract The lethal effect of cold temperatures in the range of −20 to 0°C was studied for eggs of two strains of the webbing clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella (Hummel). No significant difference in cold tolerance was found between the strains. The eggs, the developmental stage most tolerant to cold, required an estimated 15 hr at −20°C for 99.99% mortality. The results were well described by a model, based on the theory of chemical reaction kinetics, that expresses the mortality distribution as a function of exposure time and reciprocal of absolute temperature. The model was compared to published data and models of temperature tolerance for a range of insect species. Recalculation of those data showed that the model described mortality from exposure either to cold and heat well. Estimated exposure times needed to accomplish specified levels of mortality in cold disinfestation treatments, used against T. bisselliella eggs were closely similar to those observed.

Synthetic Fabrics and Fabric Pests2

Larvae of the black carpet beetle, Attageruis unicolor (Brahm), the furniture carpet beetle, Anthrenus flavipes LeConte, and the webbing clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella (Hummel), were exposed to synthetic fabrics contaminated with various stains. Both carpet beetles and the webbing clothes moths damaged synthetic fabrics when stained with such contaminants as alkaline perspiration, catsup, chicken bouillon or 5% sugar solution. Black carpet beetle larvae and webbing clothes moth larvae were more attracted to the contaminated fabrics and caused more damage than furniture carpet beetle larvae.

AVERMECTIN B1a AS A LONG-TERM PROTECTANT OF WOOLEN FABRIC1

Woolen cloth treated in emulsion baths at concentrations of 0.001, 0.003 and 0.005% AI in the bath with Avermectin B1a, a natural product derived from the soil actinomycete, Streptomyces avermitilis, was stored for 60 months in a room maintained at 27 ± 1°C and 60 ± 5 RH. After 60 months in storage, feeding tests conducted with the cloth with larvae of the black carpet beetle, Attagenus unicolor (Brahm), the furniture carpet beetle, Anthrenus flavipes LeConte, and the webbing clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella (Hummel), showed that the cloth treated at all bath concentrations was still satisfactorily protected.

EVALUATION OF GORE-TEX® LAMINATE ENVELOPES1,2 TO PROTECT WOOLENS AGAINST INSECTS

Gore-Tex® membrane, made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, laminated to a non-woven polyester fabric and made into envelopes with a zip lock closure, has been used for shipment and storage of archeological finds, feathers, furs, leather, textiles and museum specimens. Laboratory and simulated warehouse studies showed that these envelopes also have the potential for protecting woolens against larvae of the black carpet beetle, Attagenus unicolor (Brahm), the furniture carpet beetle, Anthrenus flauipes LeConte, and the webbing clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella (Hummel).

L-Cysteine lyase of the webbing clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella

The desulfhydration from l-cysteine in the larvae of the webbing clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella, was mainly due to l-cysteine lyase. The enzyme, which has previously been found only in the yolk sac of the developing chicken embryo, catalyzed β-replacement of l-cysteine, producing H 2S and lanthionine. In the presence of added sulfite, the enzyme catalyzes the formation of H 2S and cysteic acid. To examine the correlation between l-cysteine lyase and keratin digestion by Tineola larvae, two kinds of larval extracts were prepared: one contained protease and l-cysteine lyase; the other contained only protease. The efficiency of keratin degradation with l-cysteine lyase was higher than that without the enzyme.

PERMETHRIN AS A LONG-TERM PROTECTANT OF WOOLEN FABRIC1

An aqueous pressurized spray and an oil aerosol formulation of permethrin were used to treat square foot samples of woolen cloth to protect it against fabric pests. Initial protection and protection through 6 months of aging was obtained against feeding damage by larvae of the black carpet beetle, Attagenus unicolor (Brahm), the furniture carpet beetle, Anthrenus flavipes LeConte, and the webbing clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella (Hummel). Additional samples were stored in a dark closet in a room maintained at ca. 24°C for 78 months and the feeding tests were repeated. Both formulations continued to provide a high degree of protection against the above species of fabric insects. Currently, a label is pending at the Environmental Protection Agency with a 6-month claim for protection in storage when applied as directed. However, an extremely high degree of protection may be obtained for several years when treated woolens are stored in the dark.

Morphology and distribution of antennal sensilla in the female and male clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella Humm. (Lepidoptera: Tineidae)

We have examined antennae of both sexes of Tineola bisselliella to make an inventory of the antennal sensilla. We distinguished two types of sensilla trichodea, two types of sensilla basiconica, and sensilla auricillica, chaetica, coeloconica, styloconica, and campaniformia, Böhm's bristles, and squamiform structures. The same types of sensilla are present in both sexes. Numbers of sensilla chaetica, styloconica, and coeloconica and Böhm's bristles do not differ between the sexes. Significant differences in number and distribution of sensilla trichodea, basiconica, and auricillica were found between females and males over the whole length of the antenna.

MOTHPROOFING STUDIES WITH FENVALERATE1

Fenvalerate (cyano(3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl 4-chloro-α-(l-methylethyl)benzeneacetate) applied to woolen cloth as a pressurized solvent-based formulation protected the cloth against feeding damage by larvae of the black carpet beetle, Attagenus unicolor (Brahm), of the furniture carpet beetle, Anthrenus flavipes LeConte, and of the webbing clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella (Hummel), both initially and after the treatments had aged for 15 months. The fenvalerate treatments that had aged for 6 months were also effective against the adults of the above species of fabric insects.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF EMPENTHRIN AS A MOTHPROOFER OF TEXTILE

Studies on biological activity of d-empenthrin against textile pests were performed. d-Em-penthrin was found to have sufficient efficacy against casemaking clothes moth and black carpet beetle as a volatile insecticide at room temperature under closed conditions. A d-empenthrin mothproofer strip which contained 0.5gram of d-empenthrin on a 150cm2 (10×15cm) filter paper could control textile pests in a wardrobe for more than 6 months. It was also indicated that small pieces (for example, 3×10cm, 3×3cm) of d-empenthrin mothproofer strip could control even in the chest of a drawer packed with clothes.

The Biological Evaluation of Pyrethroids as Potential Mothproofing Agents. Part II ‐Esters of α‐Substituted Phenylacetic Acid

A previous study evaluating the mothproofing activity of synthetic pyrethroids of the type 2‐substituted 3,3‐dimethylcyclopropane‐ 1‐carboxylates found this class of compounds to be active against the common clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella H.) and the black carpet beetle (Attagenus piceus Oliv.), but higher concentrations were required to protect keratinous materials from larval damage by the furniture carpet beetle (Anthrenus vorax Waterh., syn. Anthrenus flavipesie Conte var. seminiveus Casey). The present paper evaluates the mothproofing efficacy of the structurally related α‐substituted phenyl‐acetates. It has been found that this class of substances exhibits an activity pattern that is similar to that of the 2‐substituted 3,3‐dimethylcyclopropane‐ 1‐carboxylates. A representative of the phenylacetate class, S—5439, is compared with the corresponding cyclopropanecarboxylate, permethrin.

The Biological Evaluation of Pyrethroids as Potential Mothproofing Agents

As a consequence of the restrictions imposed on the use of dieldrin, a world‐wide effort is being made to find an appropriate successor to protect keratinous materials from textile pests, in particular the larvae of the common clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella H.), the black carpet beetle (Attagenus piceus Oliv.) and the furniture carpet beetle (Anthrenus vorax Waterh.) Extensive investigations of permethrin (NRDC 143, FMC 33297, chemical name: 3phenoxybenzyl‐(±) c\s, trans‐2‐(2′,2′‐dichlorovinyl)‐3,3‐dimethylcyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate) have led to the marketing of this pyrethroid. The present paper evaluates different classes of 2‐substituted 3,3‐dimethylcyclopropane‐1‐carboxylates for their mothproofing efficacy. It has been found that the pyrethroids offer good protection against larval damage by the common clothes moth but as a general rule, are less effective in their activity to the Anthrenus species, a textile pest that is acquiring increasing importance as a major source of damage. This disadvantage is found even in otherwise highly active pyrethroids such as permethrin and deltamethrin. Cypermethrin was found to offer slightly better protection than permethrin against larval damage by Attagenus piceus.

Effects of Microwave Radiation on the Webbing Clothes Moth, Tineola bisselliella (Humm.) and Textiles

Wool samples infested with the egg, larvae and adult stages of the webbing clothes moth were exposed in a Sharp Carousel microwave oven (2450 MHz) for ½ to 5 min to determine the lowest level of radiation which was lethal to the various stages of the insect. Results showed that microwave radiation can be used to disinfect wool textiles without causing a significant change in the color of various acid dyes and natural dyes commonly used on wool fabrics. In addition, the microwaves had little effect on the strength and wrinkle recovery of the wool fabric.

Ovicidal Effect of Permethrin Against the Black Carpet Beetle and the Webbing Clothes Moth124

Eggs of the black carpet beetle, Attagenus megatoma (F.), and the webbing clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella (Hummel), were exposed on woolen cloth treated with permethrin at rates of 0.01, 0.02, 0.05, and 0.10% by weight of the cloth. All dosage levels tested were lethal to eggs of the clothes moth but had no effect on eggs of the black carpet beetle. However, mortality was 100% at all levels tested for 1st instars of the black carpet beetle.

Preservation of Woollens Against Clothes Moths & Carpet Beetles

Physico-chemical protective measures employed in various countries all over the World for the preservation of woolens clothes moths & carpet beetles are reviewed.

Développement larvaire et bilan d'utilisation d'énergie en fonction de l'hygrométrie chez Tinea pellionella L. (Lepidoptera : Tineidae)

We studied the ability of the case-bearing clothes moth (Tinea pellionella L.) larva to develop in a dry environment and we examined the strategy developed by this species to survive under dry conditions. In a dry environment the larval development was characterized by a high level of mortality and a reduced growth rate. The weight of the fully grown larva was twice as low at 5% relative humidity (RH) as at 95% RH. The consumption index was higher at 5% RH than at 95% RH but the oxygen consumption per day was unchanged. For the same quantity of food ingested, oxygen consumption was higher at 5% RH than at 95% RH. The digestibility of ingested food was low under dry conditions and the efficiency with which digested food was converted to body substance was much reduced at 5% RH. A large proportion of digested food was utilized by the larva for water production. In spite of a high energy extraction efficiency, the larval production was greatly reduced in a dry medium because of the low efficiency of storage of metabolizable energy. In a dry environment the amount of energy required for water production is so large (24% of ingested energy) that it does not allow optimal development; only survival is possible under these conditions.

Properties of the major carboxypeptidase in the larvae of the webbing clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella

The larvae of the webbing clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella contain two carboxypeptidases (EC 3.4.12-) and one of these has been purified by preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Its pH optimum for the hydrolysis of N benzyloxycarbonyl-glycyl-leucine was pH 7.5–7.7 and its molecular weight as judged by gel filtration was 72 000. It is strongly inhibited by diisopropylfluorophosphate, thiol reagents and some metal cations and also by 1 : 10 phenanthroline but not EDTA. K m and V values for the hydrolysis of 13 N acyl dipeptides were determined. The enzyme has a strong preference for neutral aliphatic amino acid residues and does not hydrolyse C-terminal proline, arginine or lysine. It is a true carboxypeptidase, requiring an l-amino acid in the C-terminal position, with a free carboxyl group and hydrolysing peptide substrates consecutively from the C-terminal end. Dipeptides are cleaved much more slowly than tripeptides or N- acyl dipeptides.

4—STUDIES ON TEXTILE INSECTPROOFING. PART VI: FURTHER EVALUATION OF ORGANOPHOSPHORUS INSECTICIDES

A biological evaluation of eleven organophosphate insecticides for activity against the clothes moth and carpet beetle is described. The decomposition of two phosphonates and the wet-fastness properties of several active insecticides on wool were examined.