Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Harmful Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Potato tuber moth

Potato tuber moth

Phthorimaea operculella

A species of Phthorimaea, Also known as Potato moth, Potato tuberworm, Phthorimaea operculella

The potato tuber moth has a body length of about 1 cm and a wingspan of about 1.2 cm. Adult moths have a narrow, light brown body with grayish-brown wings containing a variety of small dark spots. The moth contains two sets of wings, both having frayed edges. Females are distinguished from males by having a black “X” pattern on their forewings when their wings are closed.

General Info About Potato tuber moth
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Potato tuber moth
Habitat
potato; host plant Solanaceae
Adult Food Sources
Potato leaves, tomato pollen, nightshade flowers, eggplant pollen, pepper flowers
Larva Food Source
Potato tubers, tomato fruits, eggplant, tobacco, peppers
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Potato tuber moth is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Adult Size of Potato tuber moth
1.5 - 1.7 cm
Rectangle
Predators of Potato tuber moth Larvae
Arthropods (various predatory beetles), arachnids (spiders), birds (insectivorous species), mammals (small insectivorous mammals)
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Potato tuber moth
Birds (insectivorous species), mammals (insectivorous bats), arachnids (spiders), insects (praying mantises, predatory beetles)
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Potato tuber moth
The larvae of potato tuber moth have a unique ability to detoxify glycoalkaloids, which are toxic compounds found in their preferred nightshade plant hosts.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Potato tuber moth
Tips for Finding Potato tuber moth
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Potato tuber moth
Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Rotting and Decaying Matter
Rectangle
Adult Habitat of Potato tuber moth
Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
Rectangle
How Can You Attract Potato tuber moth
Potato tuber moth can be attracted to traps using pheromones or food baits that mimic the scent of its host plants.
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Potato tuber moth Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of potato tuber moth are typically found on the underside of host plant leaves, particularly Solanaceae species like potato and tomato. As larvae, they bore into the foliage, stems, and tubers of these plants, preferring the sheltered environment inside the plant tissue to develop. Pupation occurs within the plant or in the soil nearby. Adult potato tuber moth, on the other hand, are not bound to their host plants and can often be spotted around garden areas with their host plants, or places with artificial lights at night. To search for these stages, one might sift through soil for pupae, inspect leaves and stems for larvae and eggs, or use light traps to attract adults.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Potato tuber moth
The suitable time to find potato tuber moth is usually during its active periods, which are typically dawn and dusk when temperatures are mild and humidity is higher.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Potato tuber moth
Mild, humid weather conditions with little to no wind are generally most suitable for finding potato tuber moth.
Are Potato tuber moth harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Harmful Effects of Potato tuber moth
Reveal the harmful impacts of diverse insects
Explore the dangers of insects related to toxicity, lethality, human biting, human stinging, pathogenicity, hematophagy, allergenicity, parasitism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Agricultural Pests

Larvae of potato tuber moth bore into tubers and fruits, causing mild to severe damage. Infestations reduce crop quality and yield, leading to economic losses. Heavy infestations can lead to significant crop failure. This pest can also accelerate the spread of plant diseases, posing indirect risks to human food supplies and agricultural economies.

More Effects of Potato tuber moth

Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow