The Occurrence and Distribution ofAphomia gularis(Zell.) (Lep., Galleriidae), A Pest of Stored Products

Abstract

A summary is made of the literature dealing with the bionomics of Aphomia gularis (Zell.), a storage pest of almonds, walnuts, groundnuts and prunes, and to a lesser extent of rice and grain. Additional information is also given on its habits and occurrence in Britain.An outline is given of its origins, introduction and establishment in various parts of the world. The evidence leaves little doubt that the species originated in south-east Asia, its occurrence elsewhere being, with few exceptions, confined to the major ports of western Europe and North America. Cases of the spread of the pest from south-east Asia can be traced to the export of infested goods from that area. Unless action is taken to prevent further dispersal and measures applied to wipe out the known centres of infestation, further establishment of this species can be expected in countries at present not affected.It would appear that A. gularis is a subtropical and warm-temperate species, rarely found in the tropics and only able to maintain itself towards the northerly limits of its range, as in northern Britain and Sweden, in heated premises. In the cooler temperate regions, such as Britain, it cannot compete with such species as Ephestia elutella (Hb.) while in the tropics its ecological niche is filled by the very closely related species Corcyra cephalonica (Stnt.).Its apparent absence from regions in the southern hemisphere, where conditions favourable for development exist, may be due to its presence not having yet been recognised.