Cadra figulilella

Cadra figulilella, the raisin moth, is a moth of the family Pyralidae. The raisin moth is known most commonly as a pest that feeds on dried fruits, such as the raisin and date. It covers a range that includes much of the world, primarily situating itself in areas of California, Florida, the Eastern Mediterranean region, and some parts of Africa, Australia, and South America. The moth prefers to live in a hot, arid climate with little moisture and plentiful harvest for its larvae to feed on. Study of this species is important due to the vast amount of economic damage it causes yearly and worldwide to agriculture crops. Adult raisin moths have a life span of 11–16 days and devote most of their resources to reproduction. Eggs are laid on or near the fruit and larvae immediately begin boring and infesting the fruit. Fumigation after harvest does not save infested fruits, as the pest has already dug into the fruit and spoiled it. The mating process consists of pheromone release by both the male and female moths as well as many other copulatory rituals that function to prevent interspecies mating. Copulation consists of specific head bump technique paired with thrusting behavior. There is also a specific method of curling the abdomen that distinguishes this moth from the moths of other species. This moth also displays migration behavior as well as nocturnal activity. During the start of cold winter months, the larvae of the raisin moth will move from the fruit in which they are enveloped to the top 4 inches of topsoil. It tends to be most active after 7pm, or around sundown, and then ceases activity by 5am, or before sunrise. The adults of this moth species are about 1 cm long and have a brown grey complexion. Their wingspan ranges from 14–16 mm. A key element of distinction are its hindwings, which have short fringes. Reproductive structures also serve as an element of differentiation. This moth has an almost straight uncus and a long thin costal outgrowth and at almost 90° angle. Wing pattern does not serve as a differentiating element in this species as it is very similar to other species of its genus. Their body has six rows of purple-colored dots running horizontally and their head is a reddish-brown color. Eggs are small, round, and slightly yellow-orange and creamy white in color. They tend to turn to a more subtle greenish-grey color as they mature. The raisin moth likely got its name due to being first identified on Muscat raisins in Fresno County, California in 1928. Its population quickly increased and spread throughout the world, now claiming ubiquity in the Eastern Mediterranean region, California, Florida, and some parts of Australia, South America, and Africa. Specifically, the moth is present in regions of optimal breeding temperature and food resources. Since its rise, it first spread to the tropics and later nudged its way into cooler areas by following humans on trade routes. Adult moths will not stay in a region that is below 15 °C or above 36 °C, which are the thresholds for their temperature tolerance. Adults will not fly at a temperature below 13 °C. The raisin moth prefers a climate that has arid, hot, clear, and rainless summers, along with mild winters.