6 



CIRCULAR 4 2 2, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



With the wings folded they measure about three-eighths of an inch 

 from head to tip of wings and when the wings are outspread the 

 width is approximately five-eighths of an inch from wing tip to wing 

 tip. When at rest the moths hold the delicate threadlike antennae 

 back over the head and body. 



EMERGENCE 



The moth (fig. 3) emerges from the pupal case by forcing it open 

 at the anterior end. In some instances the pupal case is enclosed 

 in a loosely woven silken cocoon, whereas in others it is virtually 

 naked. The larvae habitually migrate when full-grown and pupate 

 in sheltered locations from which it will be convenient for the adults 

 to emerge. The places selected are sometimes holes in brick walls, 

 spaces beneath wooden runners which support hogsheads, or the 

 surfaces of hogsheads near large cracks. This migration of grown 

 larvae from the tobacco is particularly noticeable in the fall. In 

 one warehouse under observation all of the tobacco was removed 

 during the winter months, but a large emergence of spring moths 

 occurred in May and June from larvae that overwintered in hiding 

 places. 



Figure 3. — The tobacco moth, Ephestia elutella. X 7. 



The newly emerged moth begins immediately to unfold its wings, 

 holding them upright over the back until dry. This process requires 

 about 15 or 20 minutes. 



MATING 



The moths generally mate late in the afternoon or early in the 

 evening, the time of day corresponding to the period of their greatest 

 activity. Mating may be observed, however, at other times of the 

 day. Unfertilized females characteristically sit with the wings 

 folded, and with the tip of the abdomen pointing slightly upward. 

 The males locate females apparently by odor, and the courtship con- 

 sists in the male pirouetting around for a few seconds in front of 

 the female. In the warehouse mating was usually completed in 



