Definition

Noun: A small moth (Cadra cautella) whose larvae (caterpillars) are a common pest. The larvae feed on and contaminate stored dry goods, often binding the food particles together with silken webbing.

Usage

The term "almond moth" is used specifically to name this species of moth, which is a significant pest in agriculture and food storage. It is often discussed in contexts related to pest control, entomology, and food safety.

Examples

• The warehouse had an infestation of the almond moth, ruining a large shipment of dried fruit.
• To prevent damage from the almond moth, store grains and nuts in airtight containers.
• The almond moth is closely related to other stored-product pests like the Indian meal moth.

Advanced Usage

• The term is used in scientific and commercial contexts. In casual conversation, people might refer to it more generally as a "pantry moth" or "food moth," though these terms can refer to several similar species.
• The specific epithet in its scientific name, , hints at its cautious or hidden nature as a stored-product pest.

Variants and Related Words

• Indian meal moth (): A closely related and even more common pantry pest. While distinct species, they are often discussed together as similar problems.
• Pantry moth: A general, non-scientific term for moths whose larvae infest stored food.
• Stored-product pest: A broad category of insects, including the almond moth, that damage stored grains, nuts, dried fruit, and other commodities.

Synonyms

• Fig moth
• Tropical warehouse moth (These are other common names for the same species, ).

Notes on Meaning

The name "almond moth" originates from its frequent infestation of stored almonds, though its diet is much broader. The key defining behavior is not just feeding, but the larvae's habit of spinning silk that mats the infested product together with frass (excrement), creating a contaminated mass.

Noun

1. a moth whose larvae feed on and mat together with webbing various stored products of vegetable origin