fig moth
Definition
Noun: A small moth (Cadra figulilella) whose larvae (caterpillars) are a pest, feeding on and contaminating stored dried fruits, nuts, and other plant-based products by spinning silken webbing that mats the food together.
Usage
The term "fig moth" is used specifically to identify this species of moth in contexts related to agriculture, pest control, and entomology. It refers to the insect itself, but its significance lies primarily in the destructive behavior of its larval stage. - The warehouse had an infestation of fig moths, ruining a large shipment of dates. - Inspectors check for fig moth larvae in stored almonds.
Advanced Usage
- The species name is used in formal scientific contexts.
- The related term "fig moth larva" specifies the destructive, feeding life stage.
- Damage caused is often described as "webbing" or "matting" of the stored product.
Variants and Related Words
- Dried fruit moth: A common alternative name for the same species.
- Warehouse moth: A broader, less specific term sometimes used for moths infesting stored goods.
Synonyms
- Dried fruit moth
- Raisin moth (Note: Often refers to a very closely related species, )
Notes
- Not to be confused with moths that feed on living fig trees or fresh figs. The "fig moth" is primarily a pest of plant products.
- The "webbing" produced by the larvae is a key identifying feature of the infestation.
Noun
-
a moth whose larvae feed on and mat together with webbing various stored products of vegetable origin
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