Hofmannophila pseudospretella (Stainton, 1849) Species
Last modified: Nov. 8, 2024, 10:37 a.m.
A common species throughout Belgium, in some places a common household pest.
Details
- Classification
- Family: Oecophoridae > Subfamily: Oecophorinae > Genus: Hofmannophila > Species: Hofmannophila pseudospretella
- Vernacular names
- Bruine huismot (NL), Brown house moth (EN), Samenmotte (DE)
- First mention in Belgium
- Houyez P. 1966. Méfions nous de Borkhausenia pseudospretella Stt. (Microlép. Oecophoridae). — Lambillionea 65: 34–35. On page 34.
- Status
-
Native
Distribution
Imago
Museum specimens
Specimens in nature
Genitalia
Caterpillar
Dull whitish; head capsule reddish brown; prothoracic plate ochreous.
Cocoon/pupa
Bionomics
The eggs are oviposited on or near dead or decaying organic material.
Pupation in the larval feeding place, in a tough cocoon of silk mixed with the material on which the larva has fed.
The adults are active during late evening and night and readily come to light.
Flight periods
The adults have been observed the all year round, most specimens however in July and August. There are probably several generations a year, especially when the caterpillars can develop indoors.
Observed on
- Substrates:
- Stored products (grain, rice, nuts, etc.), Fur, horse-hair, refuse of animal origin, Decaying animal matter and Decaying vegetable matter
The larva lives on: seeds, dried plants, wool, cotton, skins, dead insects, frass, books, in birds nests, etc.
Habitat
Houses, barns, storage rooms, nests of birds, abandoned gardens and forests.
