Meal Moth - Pyralis farinalis - Melbourne - Tony Davison
62.072 BF1417  – Meal Moth  – Pyralis farinalis  – (Linnaeus, 1758)
Adult Micro:  CAT 1 – Distinctive species unlikely to be confused with others –      
PDF Icon – click for General Verification Guidelines  |   PDF Icon – click for Specific Verification Guidelines
Blue –  Generally Common / Widespread   
Taxonomy:   Micro   >>  Pyralidae  >> Pyralinae
ID Difficulty:  green  – easy to identify, generally distinctive and unlikely to be confused with other species.
ID pointers: An attractively marked pyralid. Has a habit of holding up the tip of its abdomen at rest. Forewings are tri-coloured. Basal area dark brown or purplish-brown – central area orangey-yellow or pale mustard-yellow. Termen and apex area same colour as basal area. The central forewing area bordered either side by a white wavy cross-line.
Distribution:  Probably fairly common across the county but not trapped in large numbers. Frequents stables, barns, mills, farms and animal shelters. Anywhere where there is stored cereal or cereal waste.
General Comment: None
Flight Period: June /  July /  August –  On the wing during June – August. Moth Activity: Nocturnal   – and is attracted to light Photographed: Yes –  Photographed By: Tony Davison  © All Rights Reserved
*** Last updated on 2 October 2025 by RP ***
Wingspan: 18-30mm
Food Plant: Stored grain and cereal waste.
Specific Recorded History Dates for Common [Blue code Blue-coded] moths is not displayed/updated in this tab. However, all verified records for this moth are listed in the RECORDS tab below.

Selected Images:  Melbourne, Derbyshire – Tony Davison©



Temporal Distribution Chart
Adults: (between 1971 - 2025)
(click legend below to show/hide datasets)
This chart summarises all available historical occurrence records collated by ISO week of the year. It reflects recorder effort and sampling distribution as well as true biological activity, and should be interpreted as an indicative pattern of seasonal occurrence rather than a statistically controlled abundance or phenology model.

Distribution Map for Pyralis farinalis

Found 142 records
    ↳ from 2026+
    ↳ 68 from 2020 - 2025
    ↳ 74 from Before 2020
Flying
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

If the Map Layers function fails, just refresh the page and it should be OK after. Use the +- zoom on the top left, or on a tablet, use two fingers to zoom. Remember, the last layer you ticked is the one which displays the popup information - they sit on top of each other - de-select then re-select, to see the popup values.

Bedrock Geology ** indirectly affects moth distribution by influencing the type of habitat and food plants available in an area. In turn, this may affect the types of moths that can thrive, or where they can most likely be found.


NBN Atlas UK Distribution for – Pyralis farinalis

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Note – the NBN Atlas datasets are listed in the map below and vary in their currency (uptodateness) – however, the map does give a general indication of the moth's distribution across the UK.

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Monthly Records By Year: Pyralis farinalis
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )

Monthly Counts By Year: Pyralis farinalis
( data is based on 'Adult' stage records only )

First/Last Recorded Dates: Pyralis farinalis
Adult-only & Anything [Larvae, Pupae, Adult, Mines]

Shading shows moth presence between dates

Click the colour discs below to Select/De-select as Required

Recordings By Year: Pyralis farinalis
( All data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )
Annual Growth Rate (AGR): Pyralis farinalis
AGR: 0.35%   |   Total % Change: 9.1%

Hectad (10kmx10km) Coverage: Pyralis farinalis
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )

Flight Periods – Indicative –vs– Recorded Data
Pyralis farinalis

Flight Period chart – the grey hatched area above, which can cross one or more months, pictorially represents the best guess we have for this moth's flight periods [month/s]. The coloured lines represent the actual months seen in flight, from site observation records received between 2020-2026.

Records Behind the Map and Charts - Pyralis farinalis – 142 records available

Listed by Year - descending - scroll across to see all table columns

Site Name Tetrad Date Count Stage Recorder Source RecordKey
Bolsover, Chesterfield S, UK SK47Q 09/09/2025 1 Adult lord_fell vc57_irecords_extract iBRC45192729
upper cromford garden SK25Y 11/08/2025 1 adult Ashton, Clive vc57_irecords_extract iBRC44468133
Midway, Derbys. SK32A 10/08/2025 1 adult Williams, Michael vc57_irecords_extract iBRC44438020
Belper SK34U 10/08/2025 1 adult Evans, Dave vc57_irecords_extract iBRC44352329
Belper, Derbyshire SK34N 17/07/2025 1 adult Newcombe, Dave vc57_irecords_extract iBRC44236059
Belper SK34U 12/07/2025 1 adult Evans, Dave vc57_irecords_extract iBRC43370893
Midway, Derbys. SK32A 30/06/2025 1 adult Williams, Michael vc57_irecords_extract iBRC43042325
Staveley Derbyshire SK47H 25/06/2025 2 adult Morris, Sid vc57_irecords_extract iBRC42750689
Belper SK34U 20/06/2025 1 adult Evans, Dave vc57_irecords_extract iBRC42501464
Ingleby Ave, Derby SK33L 14/06/2025 1 adult Shervill, Andrew vc57_irecords_extract iBRC42329357
Derbyshire, England, GB SK47Q 04/06/2025 1 Adult lord_fell vc57_irecords_extract iBRC42120856
Chaddesden, Derby SK33T 18/08/2024 1 adult roome, martin vc57_irecords_extract iBRC38338232
Ilkeston, Derbyshire SK44K 17/08/2024 1 adult Hobby, Brian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC38196745
Belpe SK34N 13/08/2024 1 adult Newcombe, Dave vc57_irecords_extract iBRC37925880
Littleover SK33G 11/08/2024 1 adult Watson, Adrian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC43653218
upper cromford garden SK25Y 07/08/2024 1 adult Ashton, Clive vc57_irecords_extract iBRC37754227
Belper SK34N 06/08/2024 1 adult Evans, Dave vc57_irecords_extract iBRC37723062
Ilkeston, Derbyshire SK44K 02/08/2024 1 adult Hobby, Brian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC37879070
Derby DE SK33I 30/07/2024 1 adult Watson, Adrian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC43689027
Shirland - Hallfieldgate Lane SK35Z 30/07/2024 2 Adult Mahadevan, Nikki vc57_irecords_extract iBRC37827779
Belper SK34N 29/07/2024 1 adult Evans, Dave vc57_irecords_extract iBRC37495002
Stonebroom. SK45E 29/07/2024 1 adult Bradley, Jonathan vc57_irecords_extract iBRC38099872
Chaddesden, Derby SK33T 28/07/2024 1 adult roome, martin vc57_irecords_extract iBRC38327712
Stonebroom. SK45E 24/07/2024 1 adult Bradley, Jonathan vc57_irecords_extract iBRC38099425
Belper SK34N 23/07/2024 1 adult Evans, Dave vc57_irecords_extract iBRC37345582
Glapwell Garden Trap SK46T 22/07/2024 1 adult Culpin, John vc57_irecords_extract iBRC40549724
Staveley Derbyshire SK47H 22/07/2024 1 adult Morris, Sid vc57_irecords_extract iBRC37300714
Derby DE SK33I 19/07/2024 1 adult Watson, Adrian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC43752331
Chaddesden, Derby SK33T 14/07/2024 1 adult roome, martin vc57_irecords_extract iBRC38320942
Ambergate SK35K 12/07/2024 1 Adult skcross2 vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36986786
Inkersall garden SK47G 11/07/2024 1 adult Cambridge, Don vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36957023
Findern, Derbyshire, DEAZ SK33A 26/06/2024 1 adult Hallam, Brian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC39934494
Coal Aston SK37U 23/06/2024 1 adult Angela McLean vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36578126
Melbourne, Derbyshire SK32X 22/06/2024 1 adult Davison, Tony vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36578661
Staveley Derbyshire SK47H 19/06/2024 1 adult Morris, Sid vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36547129
Bolsover SK47Q 18/06/2024 1 Adult lord_fell vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36567406
Bolsover SK47Q 16/05/2024 1 Adult lord_fell vc57_irecords_extract iBRC35945013
Belper SK34N 07/09/2023 1 adult Evans, Dave vc57_irecords_extract iBRC35299026
Allestree, Derby SK33P 11/08/2023 1 adult Plant, Stephen vc57_irecords_extract iBRC48398494
Woodland Ave SK43R 28/07/2023 1 adult Thorpe, Steve vc57_irecords_extract iBRC33496860
Kirk Hallam, Ilkeston SK44K 28/07/2023 1 adult Hobby, Brian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC48690942
Mickleover garden SK33C 08/07/2023 1 adult Maughan, Christine vc57_irecords_extract iBRC35652199
Sandiacre SK43T 08/07/2023 1 adult Milnes, Emily vc57_irecords_extract iBRC34430438
Kirk Hallam, Ilkeston SK44K 24/06/2023 2 adult Hobby, Brian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC48690819
Sandiacre SK43T 23/06/2023 1 adult Milnes, Emily vc57_irecords_extract iBRC34377334
Rolls Royce Duffield Bank House, Duffield. SK34L 13/06/2023 1 adult Evans, Dave vc57_irecords_extract iBRC35300109
Allestree, Derby SK33P 07/09/2022 1 adult Plant, Stephen vc57_irecords_extract iBRC48272725
Allestree, Derby SK33P 06/09/2022 1 adult Plant, Stephen vc57_irecords_extract iBRC48272692
Mickleover garden SK33C 23/08/2022 1 adult Maughan, Christine vc57_irecords_extract iBRC35448806
Sandiacre SK43T 10/08/2022 1 adult Milnes, Emily vc57_irecords_extract iBRC35177948
Belper SK34U 29/07/2022 1 adult Evans, Dave vc57_irecords_extract iBRC35317030
Findern, Derbyshire, DEAZ SK33A 17/07/2022 2 adult Brian and Jean Hallam vc57_irecords_extract iBRC35167124
DRONFIELD WOODHOUSE SK37J 11/07/2022 1 adult Williamson, Andy vc57_irecords_extract iBRC46636683
Allestree, Derby SK33P 10/07/2022 1 adult Plant, Stephen vc57_irecords_extract iBRC48576185
Midway, Derbys. SK32A 10/08/2021 1 adult Williams, Michael vc57_irecords_extract iBRC38546097
Shirland - Hallfieldgate Lane SK35Z 31/07/2021 1 adult Mahadevan, Nikki vc57_irecords_extract iBRC34957373
Woodland Ave SK43R 20/07/2021 1 adult Thorpe, Steve vc57_irecords_extract iBRC33498989
Norton Lees SK38L 19/07/2021 1 adult Mella, Pete vc57_irecords_extract iBRC50548279
Wood Lane, Newhall, Swadlincote SK22V 16/07/2021 1 adult BUDWORTH, Mr D. Danes_2019-2021 174
Allestree, Derby SK33P 15/07/2021 1 adult Plant, Stephen vc57_irecords_extract iBRC46669029
Main Street, Kings Newton SK32Y 23/09/2020 1 Adult Soar, Will vc57_irecords_extract iBRC34059721
Main Street, Kings Newton SK32Y 12/08/2020 1 Adult Soar, Will vc57_irecords_extract iBRC34060600
Great Britain, Derby, England, GB SK33N 11/08/2020 1 Adult Panagiotis Georgiou vc57_irecords_extract iBRC22401207
Wood Lane, Newhall, Swadlincote SK22V 07/08/2020 1 adult BUDWORTH, Mr D. Danes_2019-2021 439
DRONFIELD WOODHOUSE SK37J 27/07/2020 1 adult Williamson, Andy vc57_irecords_extract iBRC45808454
Norton Lees SK38L 13/07/2020 1 adult Mella, Pete vc57_irecords_extract iBRC50545754
Main Street, Kings Newton SK32Y 12/07/2020 1 Adult Soar, Will vc57_irecords_extract iBRC34060601
Long Eaton, Derbys SK43X 12/06/2020 1 adult Bryce, Marion vc57_irecords_extract iBRC14168385
Belper SK34N 03/08/2019 1 adult Evans, Dave vc57_irecords_extract iBRC35561446
Main Street, Kings Newton SK32Y 18/07/2018 1 Adult Soar, Will vc57_irecords_extract iBRC34060602
Long Eaton - Marlborough Road SK43X 07/07/2017 1 Adult Bryce, Marion vc57_irecords_extract iBRC34620835
Long Eaton - Marlborough Road SK43X 07/07/2017 1 Adult Bryce, Marion vc57_irecords_extract iBRC34620836
Marlborough Road, Long Eaton, Derbys SK43X 13/09/2016 1 adult Bryce, Marion vc57_irecords_extract iBRC4031986
Wood Lane,Newhall,Swadlincote SK22V 02/08/2016 1 Adult Dave Budworth vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001COZHX
DRONFIELD WOODHOUSE SK37J 21/07/2016 1 adult Williamson, Andy vc57_irecords_extract iBRC45713939
DRONFIELD WOODHOUSE SK37J 20/07/2016 1 adult Williamson, Andy vc57_irecords_extract iBRC45702650
Back Lane,Glapwell SK46T 23/07/2013 1 Adult J. Culpin vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001CP95D
Shirland - Hallfieldgate Lane SK35Z 20/07/2013 1 Adult Mahadevan, Nikki vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36879496
Hallfieldgate Lane, Shirland, Alfreton SK35Z 20/07/2013 1 Adult N. Mahadevan vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001COUUQ
Lancaster Ave,Sandiacre SK43S 05/07/2013 1 Adult I.M. Viles vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001COYLP
Backgarden Marehay SK34Z 03/09/2012 1 adult Thorpe, Steve vc57_irecords_extract iBRC33511922
Bamford St,Ripley SK34Z 03/09/2012 1 Adult Thorpe, Steve vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001CP8OL
Dronfield Woodhouse SK37J 19/08/2012 1 adult Williamson, Andy vc57_irecords_extract iBRC45425813
Lancaster Ave,Sandiacre SK43S 12/08/2012 1 Adult I.M. Viles vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001CP8GN
Lancaster Ave,Sandiacre SK43S 10/08/2012 1 Adult I.M. Viles vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001COUJK
Back Lane,Glapwell SK46T 10/08/2012 1 Adult J. Culpin vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001COUJR
Lancaster Ave,Sandiacre SK43S 09/08/2012 1 Adult I.M. Viles vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001COYDM
Back Lane,Glapwell SK46T 08/08/2012 1 Adult J. Culpin vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001CP8CX
Lancaster Ave,Sandiacre SK43S 03/08/2012 2 Adult I.M. Viles vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001CP8AZ
Ault Hucknall,Glapwell SK46S 24/07/2012 1 Adult M.E. Bradley vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001CP85V
Backgarden Marehay SK34Z 28/06/2012 1 adult Thorpe, Steve vc57_irecords_extract iBRC33510475
Bamford St,Ripley SK34Z 28/06/2012 1 Adult Thorpe, Steve vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001COUAN
Backgarden Marehay SK34Z 03/09/2011 1 adult Thorpe, Steve vc57_irecords_extract iBRC33514036
Bamford St,Ripley SK34Z 03/09/2011 1 Adult Thorpe, Steve vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001CP7LQ
Lancaster Ave,Sandiacre SK43S 03/09/2011 1 Adult I.M. Viles vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001CP7LT
Glebe Rise,Littleover,Derby SK33H 19/08/2011 1 Adult N.J. Ward vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001COXYK
Back Lane,Glapwell SK46T 03/08/2011 2 Adult J. Culpin vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001CP7HA
George St,Belper SK34N 02/08/2011 1 Adult K.R. Huston vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001CP7GE
Back Lane,Glapwell SK46T 28/07/2011 1 Adult J. Culpin vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001COXUX
Backgarden Marehay SK34Z 11/07/2011 1 adult Thorpe, Steve vc57_irecords_extract iBRC33513416
Bamford St,Ripley SK34Z 11/07/2011 1 Adult Thorpe, Steve vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001CP789
Rose Av,Clowne SK57D 08/08/2010 1 Adult D. Hursthouse vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001COTL2
Duffield Rd, Allestree, Derby SK34K 25/07/2010 1 Adult P. Smith vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001CP64V
Hardhurst Rd, Alvaston, Derby SK33W 20/07/2010 1 Adult I. Gardler vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001COTDY
Hardhurst Rd, Alvaston, Derby SK33W 10/07/2010 1 Adult I. Gardler vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001COTC6
Backgarden of Whitegates, Codnor SK44E 09/07/2010 1 adult Thorpe, Steve vc57_irecords_extract iBRC33514998
Whitegates, Codnor SK44E 09/07/2010 1 Adult Thorpe, Steve vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001COZFL
Briar Close,Newhall,Swadlincote SK22V 08/07/2010 1 Adult K. Peach vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001CP5TD
Lancaster Ave,Sandiacre SK43S 21/06/2010 1 Adult I.M. Viles vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001COZC0
Hardhurst Rd, Alvaston, Derby SK33W 20/06/2010 1 Adult I. Gardler vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001CP5FM
Drayton Ave,Mackworth,Derby SK33D 10/07/2009 1 Adult W. Hurst vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001CP9YT
Drayton Ave,Mackworth,Derby SK33D 23/06/2009 1 Adult W. Hurst vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001CP4RC
Wheeldon Av,Belper SK34N 22/06/2009 1 Adult D. Evans vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001CP4QW
Lancaster Ave,Sandiacre SK43S 27/07/2008 1 Adult I.M. Viles vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001COWLN
Melbourne, Derbyshire SK32X 04/07/2008 1 adult Davison, Tony vc57_irecords_extract iBRC33419356
Spinney Hill,Melbourne SK32X 04/07/2008 1 Adult Davison, Tony vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001CP4BC
Drakelow NR,Burton on Trent SK22F 08/09/2007 1 Adult M.J. Williams vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001COWH5
Briar Close,Newhall,Swadlincote SK22V 04/09/2007 1 Adult K. Peach vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001CP44X
Wood Lane,Newhall,Swadlincote SK22V 10/08/2007 1 Adult Dave Budworth vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001COSEB
Bristol Rd,Ilkeston SK44R 10/08/2007 1 Adult S.L.P. Whiteley vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001COSEX
Bristol Rd,Ilkeston SK44R 01/08/2007 1 Adult S.L.P. Whiteley vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001COWE4
Melbourne, Derbyshire SK32X 22/07/2007 1 adult Davison, Tony vc57_irecords_extract iBRC33405306
Spinney Hill,Melbourne SK32X 22/07/2007 1 Adult Davison, Tony vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001CP3ZJ
Spinney Hill,Melbourne SK32X 03/09/2006 1 Adult Davison, Tony vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001COW7S
Main Street, Kings Newton SK32Y 03/09/2006 1 Adult Soar, Will vc57_irecords_extract iBRC34680090
Main St,Kings Newton,Melbourne SK32Y 03/09/2006 1 Adult Soar, Will vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001CP3KO
Melbourne, Derbyshire SK32X 03/08/2006 1 adult Davison, Tony vc57_irecords_extract iBRC33534156
Midway Rd,Midway,Swadlincote SK32A 28/07/2006 1 Adult M.J. Williams vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001COW4Q
Midway Rd,Midway,Swadlincote SK32A 21/07/2006 1 Adult M.J. Williams vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001CORUT
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley Dale SK26R 17/07/2006 1 Adult Roddis, Simon vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001CORTW
Midway Rd,Midway,Swadlincote SK32A 24/06/2006 1 Adult M.J. Williams vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001CP31K
Briar Close,Newhall,Swadlincote SK22V 23/06/2006 1 Adult K. Peach vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001CORQ7
Main Street, Kings Newton SK32Y 06/08/2004 1 Adult Soar, Will vc57_irecords_extract iBRC34680089
Main St,Kings Newton,Melbourne SK32Y 06/08/2004 1 Adult Soar, Will vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001CP2BD
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley Dale SK26R 03/08/2004 1 Adult Roddis, Simon vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001CP29K
Hasland (site not precise) SK36Z 29/09/2002 1 Adult J. Culpin vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001CP1GY
Wilmot St, Sawley, Long Eaton SK43R 26/08/2000 1 Adult A. Braddock vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001COQZ9
Wilmot St, Sawley, Long Eaton SK43R 12/08/2000 1 Adult A. Braddock vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001COQZ6
Wilmot St, Sawley, Long Eaton SK43R 03/07/1998 1 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001COZNO
Wilmot St, Sawley, Long Eaton SK43R 01/07/1998 1 Adult A. Braddock vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001COZNF
Wood Lane,Newhall,Swadlincote SK22V 22/07/1994 1 Adult Dave Budworth vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001CP13Y
Clay Cross SK36W 27/08/1971 1 Adult J. Culpin vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001CP9UF

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