This mini moth was found in stored dates (variety Khals), numerous of adults were found coexisting with the saw-toothed grain beetle.
Dear colleagues. It is not a member of the Gelechiidae, and certainly also not Plodia interpunctella. From what is visible on the photo it is another family of teh Gelechioidea, probably Stathmopodidae s.l., Cosmopterigidae or Blastobasidae
The shape of the forewing, narrow, pointed and richly fringed, remembers especially gelechiid moths (Gelechiidae); it would be helpful to see a specimen with completely open wings, in order to also observe the shape of the hindwing. The identification may require genitalic preparations (particularly bursa copulatrix for females, as is probably the case of the specimen here photographed ventrally; all the terminalia for the male). Regards,
Rinaldo Nicoli
Plodia interpunctella in my opinion must be excluded if we consider both the colour and the shape of the forewing (and the long fringe). Regards,
Rinaldo Nicoli
I think that this species belongs to the family Gelechiidae because it brings to Tuta absoluta (tomato leafminer)
This moth is really small, the length of the body is less than 5 mm. we are trying to measure the wingspan, but is a little pit difficult to spread the wing without making damage.
I do not see any red/copper scales on the wings so I would lean away from Plodia. I recommend looking at Cadra spp.
Dissection will definitely be be needed but the following reference might be helpful.
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/np/insectsdriedfruits/insectsdriedfruits.pdf
Dear colleagues. It is not a member of the Gelechiidae, and certainly also not Plodia interpunctella. From what is visible on the photo it is another family of teh Gelechioidea, probably Stathmopodidae s.l., Cosmopterigidae or Blastobasidae
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