Rice Moth (Corcyra cephalonica): The Silent Threat Lurking in Your Rice Warehouse

When it comes to warehouse pests, many people immediately think of rats or flies. But hidden among your carefully stored rice lies an often-overlooked yet highly destructive enemy: the Rice Moth (Corcyra cephalonica). Small and stealthy, this moth can quietly ruin entire batches of rice, making them unfit for consumption — and putting your reputation at risk.

Get to Know the Rice Moth

• Scientific name: Corcyra cephalonica
• Family: Gelechiidae
• Order: Lepidoptera

The adult Rice Moth measures 12–15 mm in body length with a wingspan of 15–25 mm. Its wings are grayish-brown with distinct dark lines, while its abdomen is cream-colored. When at rest, it folds its wings flat against its body, blending seamlessly into its surroundings.

Sex differences:

• Males: Short, stubby labial palps that are hard to see.
• Females: Long, forward-pointing labial palps.

A Rapid, Continuous Life Cycle

The Rice Moth undergoes complete metamorphosis, progressing through four stages:

• Egg (4–5 days): Females lay single eggs, ranging from 44 to 307 in total.
• Larva (28–41 days): White larvae create silk webbing around themselves for protection and shelter — this is the most destructive stage.
• Pupa (6–13 days): Pupates while hidden in silk structures.
• Adult (7–14 days): Short-lived, focusing solely on mating and laying eggs.

Total life cycle: Approximately 30–40 days, with multiple generations possible each year.

Favorite Food Sources

The Rice Moth doesn’t just target rice — it thrives on a variety of dry goods, including:

• Broken rice, rice bran, milled rice
• Sesame seeds, soybeans, mung beans, peanuts
• Mung bean flour, cottonseed meal
• Cracked corn, cocoa, dried fruits
• Bread and dried coconut

Damage and Hidden Impact

The larvae are the true destroyers.
They feed inside their silk webbing, leaving behind small pellet-like droppings that contaminate rice stocks. This causes rice grains to stick together, reducing quality and rendering them unfit for consumption or sale.

Global Spread

The Rice Moth is widespread in tropical regions, including Thailand. Ideal conditions are 30–32.5°C with around 70% relative humidity, creating a perfect breeding environment.

✅ Prevention and Control Strategies

Temperature Control
Use high heat or freezing temperatures to inhibit development.

Reduce Moisture Before Storage
Ensure grains are thoroughly dried before storage.

Remove and Dispose of Infested Products
Do not mix damaged stock with fresh produce.

Fumigation
Eliminates eggs, larvae, and adults at all life stages.

Limit Storage Duration
Avoid long-term storage to reduce infestation risks.

Conclusion

Though small and often unnoticed, the Rice Moth can cause massive losses to rice and other grain products. Without serious control measures, businesses risk not only financial loss but also damage to their reputation and customer trust.

Don't let the Rice Moth silently destroy your warehouse — take action today before it's too late!