Damage Caused by Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and Sitotroga cerealella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) to Brazil Nuts

Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and Sitotroga cerealella Olivier (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) are considered important pests of stored products in Brazil. The purpose of this study was to determine if E. kuehniella and S. cerealella feed on Brazil nuts, and to identify the type of damage caused by these insects. The damage caused by these insects starts as a scratched surface that evolves into deep tunnels until a complete change in the shape of the nut occurs. Due to their ability to injure intact nuts, and their capacity to produce severe damage and economic losses, E. kuehniella and S. cerealella have the potential to be among the primary pests of stored Brazil nuts.