Rank Species | Higher classification Hofmannophila Order Butterflies and moths | |
Genus HofmannophilaSpuler, 1910 Scientific name Hofmannophila pseudospretella Similar White‑shouldered house moth, Butterflies and moths, Oecophoridae, Tinea pellionella, Borkhausenia | ||
Hofmannophila pseudospretella, the brown house moth, is a species of the concealer moth family (Oecophoridae), wherein it belongs to subfamily Oecophorinae. It is the only known member of its genus Hofmannophila, and as is often the case for such monotypic taxa, the genus' distinctness remains to be conclusively proven. However that may be, it seems to be a close relative of Borkhausenia.
Probably originally native to Asia, the synanthropic brown house moth has been introduced to other regions by human activity and is found almost worldwide today. It is often considered a pest due to the feeding activity of its caterpillars.
The wingspan is 15–26 mm. The adults fly all year round.
The caterpillars feed on organic detritus that accumulates indoors, e.g. behind skirting boards and other similar places. Recorded foodstuffs are for example cereals (including maize, oatmeal, pearl barley and rice) and other seeds, potatoes, furs and dog biscuits.
