pyralis

Pyralis is a genus of moths in the family Pyralidae, order Lepidoptera. The genus includes several species, the most widely known being Pyralis farinalis, commonly called the meal moth or flour moth. Members of Pyralis are typically small to medium-sized moths; adults have narrow wings with brown and pale markings and a wingspan of roughly 14–22 millimeters.

Biology and ecology: Like other Lepidoptera, Pyralis species undergo complete metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Eggs are laid near food sources. Larvae feed on a variety of stored products, particularly cereals, flour, meal, and sometimes dried fruits and seeds. They may bore into grains, contaminate food with silk and frass, and can produce webbing. Pupation occurs within the feeding material or in a protective cocoon.

Distribution and habitat: Pyralis species are cosmopolitan and commonly found in human environments such as kitchens, pantries, granaries, mills, and storage facilities. They are attracted to lights at night and can disperse via human cargo and goods.

Economic and management notes: Pyralis farinalis is a well-documented stored-product pest. Infestations can cause direct loss of commodity, reduced quality, and increased cleaning costs. Management focuses on preventing infestation through good sanitation, proper storage, regular inspection, sealing of food containers, and temperature- or humidity-based treatments. Monitoring can use pheromone traps to detect male moths.

Taxonomy note: The genus is placed within the family Pyralidae, a diverse group of snout moths. Taxonomic revisions have occurred, and species composition may vary by classification system.