Anerastia lotella       Aglossa pinguinalis
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©

62.072 BF1417 - Pyralidae - Pyralinae - Pyralia farinalis
Pyralis farinalis – Melbourne – Tony Davison
62.072 BF1417 - Pyralidae - Pyralinae - Pyralia farinalis
Pyralis farinalis – Melbourne – Tony Davison
Meal Moth - Pyralis farinalis - Melbourne - Tony Davison
Meal Moth – Pyralis farinalis – Melbourne – Tony DavisonDavison
62.072 BF1417 - Pyralidae - Pyralinae - Pyralia farinalis
62.072 BF1417 - Pyralidae - Pyralinae - Pyralia farinalis
Meal Moth - Pyralis farinalis - Melbourne - Tony Davison


Image Gallery

62.072 BF1417 - Pyralis farinalis - Meal Moth Melbourne, Derbyshire Tony Davison© 62.072 BF1417 - Pyralis farinalis - Meal Moth Melbourne, Derbyshire Tony Davison©

Temporal Distribution Chart
Adults: (between 1971 - 2025)
(click legend below to show/hide datasets)

Distribution Map for Pyralis farinalis

Found 140 records
    ↳ from 2026+
    ↳ 66 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

⚠️ Please wait for the map to load fully – do not click the link shown.


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.

Visit NBN Site


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 – 140 records available

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

Site NameTetradDateCountStageRecorderSourceRecordKey
Bolsover, Chesterfield S, UKSK47Q09/09/20251Adultlord_fellvc57_irecords_extractiBRC45192729
upper cromford gardenSK25Y11/08/20251adultAshton, Clivevc57_irecords_extractiBRC44468133
BelperSK34U10/08/20251adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC44352329
Midway, Derbys.SK32A10/08/20251adultWilliams, Michaelvc57_irecords_extractiBRC44438020
Belper, DerbyshireSK34N17/07/20251adultNewcombe, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC44236059
BelperSK34U12/07/20251adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC43370893
Midway, Derbys.SK32A30/06/20251adultWilliams, Michaelvc57_irecords_extractiBRC43042325
Staveley DerbyshireSK47H25/06/20252adultMorris, Sidvc57_irecords_extractiBRC42750689
BelperSK34U20/06/20251adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC42501464
Ingleby Ave, DerbySK33L14/06/20251adultShervill, Andrewvc57_irecords_extractiBRC42329357
Derbyshire, England, GBSK47Q04/06/20251Adultlord_fellvc57_irecords_extractiBRC42120856
Chaddesden, DerbySK33T18/08/20241adultroome, martinvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38338232
Ilkeston, DerbyshireSK44K17/08/20241adultHobby, Brianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38196745
BelpeSK34N13/08/20241adultNewcombe, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC37925880
LittleoverSK33G11/08/20241adultWatson, Adrianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC43653218
upper cromford gardenSK25Y07/08/20241adultAshton, Clivevc57_irecords_extractiBRC37754227
BelperSK34N06/08/20241adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC37723062
Ilkeston, DerbyshireSK44K02/08/20241adultHobby, Brianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC37879070
Shirland - Hallfieldgate LaneSK35Z30/07/20242AdultMahadevan, Nikkivc57_irecords_extractiBRC37827779
Derby DESK33I30/07/20241adultWatson, Adrianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC43689027
BelperSK34N29/07/20241adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC37495002
Stonebroom.SK45E29/07/20241adultBradley, Jonathanvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38099872
Chaddesden, DerbySK33T28/07/20241adultroome, martinvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38327712
Stonebroom.SK45E24/07/20241adultBradley, Jonathanvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38099425
BelperSK34N23/07/20241adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC37345582
Staveley DerbyshireSK47H22/07/20241adultMorris, Sidvc57_irecords_extractiBRC37300714
Glapwell Garden TrapSK46T22/07/20241adultJohn Culpinvc57_irecords_extractiBRC40549724
Derby DESK33I19/07/20241adultWatson, Adrianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC43752331
Chaddesden, DerbySK33T14/07/20241adultroome, martinvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38320942
AmbergateSK35K12/07/20241Adultskcross2vc57_irecords_extractiBRC36986786
Inkersall gardenSK47G11/07/20241adultDon Cambridgevc57_irecords_extractiBRC36957023
Findern, Derbyshire, DEAZSK33A26/06/20241adultHallam, Brianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC39934494
Coal AstonSK37U23/06/20241adultAngela McLeanvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36578126
Melbourne, DerbyshireSK32X22/06/20241adultDavison, Tonyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36578661
Staveley DerbyshireSK47H19/06/20241adultMorris, Sidvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36547129
BolsoverSK47Q18/06/20241Adultlord_fellvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36567406
BolsoverSK47Q16/05/20241Adultlord_fellvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35945013
BelperSK34N07/09/20231adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35299026
Allestree, DerbySK33P11/08/20231adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48398494
Woodland AveSK43R28/07/20231adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33496860
Kirk Hallam, IlkestonSK44K28/07/20231adultHobby, Brianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48690942
SandiacreSK43T08/07/20231adultMilnes, Emilyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34430438
Mickleover gardenSK33C08/07/20231adultMaughan, Christinevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35652199
Kirk Hallam, IlkestonSK44K24/06/20232adultHobby, Brianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48690819
SandiacreSK43T23/06/20231adultMilnes, Emilyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34377334
Rolls Royce Duffield Bank House, Duffield.SK34L13/06/20231adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35300109
Allestree, DerbySK33P07/09/20221adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48272725
Allestree, DerbySK33P06/09/20221adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48272692
Mickleover gardenSK33C23/08/20221adultMaughan, Christinevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35448806
SandiacreSK43T10/08/20221adultMilnes, Emilyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35177948
BelperSK34U29/07/20221adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35317030
Findern, Derbyshire, DEAZSK33A17/07/20222adultBrian and Jean Hallamvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35167124
DRONFIELD WOODHOUSESK37J11/07/20221adultWilliamson, Andyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC46636683
Allestree, DerbySK33P10/07/20221adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48576185
Midway, Derbys.SK32A10/08/20211adultWilliams, Michaelvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38546097
Shirland - Hallfieldgate LaneSK35Z31/07/20211adultMahadevan, Nikkivc57_irecords_extractiBRC34957373
Woodland AveSK43R20/07/20211adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33498989
Wood Lane, Newhall, SwadlincoteSK22V16/07/20211adultBUDWORTH, Mr D.Danes_2019-2021174
Allestree, DerbySK33P15/07/20211adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC46669029
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y23/09/20201AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34059721
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y12/08/20201AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34060600
Great Britain, Derby, England, GBSK33N11/08/20201AdultPanagiotis Georgiouvc57_irecords_extractiBRC22401207
Wood Lane, Newhall, SwadlincoteSK22V07/08/20201adultBUDWORTH, Mr D.Danes_2019-2021439
DRONFIELD WOODHOUSESK37J27/07/20201adultWilliamson, Andyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC45808454
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y12/07/20201AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34060601
Long Eaton, DerbysSK43X12/06/20201adultBryce, Marionvc57_irecords_extractiBRC14168385
BelperSK34N03/08/20191adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35561446
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y18/07/20181AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34060602
Long Eaton - Marlborough RoadSK43X07/07/20171AdultBryce, Marionvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34620835
Long Eaton - Marlborough RoadSK43X07/07/20171AdultBryce, Marionvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34620836
Marlborough Road, Long Eaton, DerbysSK43X13/09/20161adultBryce, Marionvc57_irecords_extractiBRC4031986
Wood Lane,Newhall,SwadlincoteSK22V02/08/20161AdultDave Budworthvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COZHX
DRONFIELD WOODHOUSESK37J21/07/20161adultWilliamson, Andyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC45713939
DRONFIELD WOODHOUSESK37J20/07/20161adultWilliamson, Andyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC45702650
Back Lane,GlapwellSK46T23/07/20131AdultJ. Culpinvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP95D
Shirland - Hallfieldgate LaneSK35Z20/07/20131AdultMahadevan, Nikkivc57_irecords_extractiBRC36879496
Hallfieldgate Lane, Shirland, AlfretonSK35Z20/07/20131AdultN. Mahadevanvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COUUQ
Lancaster Ave,SandiacreSK43S05/07/20131AdultI.M. Vilesvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COYLP
Backgarden MarehaySK34Z03/09/20121adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33511922
Bamford St,RipleySK34Z03/09/20121AdultThorpe, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP8OL
Dronfield WoodhouseSK37J19/08/20121adultWilliamson, Andyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC45425813
Lancaster Ave,SandiacreSK43S12/08/20121AdultI.M. Vilesvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP8GN
Lancaster Ave,SandiacreSK43S10/08/20121AdultI.M. Vilesvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COUJK
Back Lane,GlapwellSK46T10/08/20121AdultJ. Culpinvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COUJR
Lancaster Ave,SandiacreSK43S09/08/20121AdultI.M. Vilesvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COYDM
Back Lane,GlapwellSK46T08/08/20121AdultJ. Culpinvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP8CX
Lancaster Ave,SandiacreSK43S03/08/20122AdultI.M. Vilesvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP8AZ
Ault Hucknall,GlapwellSK46S24/07/20121AdultM.E. Bradleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP85V
Backgarden MarehaySK34Z28/06/20121adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33510475
Bamford St,RipleySK34Z28/06/20121AdultThorpe, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COUAN
Backgarden MarehaySK34Z03/09/20111adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33514036
Bamford St,RipleySK34Z03/09/20111AdultThorpe, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP7LQ
Lancaster Ave,SandiacreSK43S03/09/20111AdultI.M. Vilesvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP7LT
Glebe Rise,Littleover,DerbySK33H19/08/20111AdultN.J. Wardvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COXYK
Back Lane,GlapwellSK46T03/08/20112AdultJ. Culpinvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP7HA
George St,BelperSK34N02/08/20111AdultK.R. Hustonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP7GE
Back Lane,GlapwellSK46T28/07/20111AdultJ. Culpinvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COXUX
Backgarden MarehaySK34Z11/07/20111adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33513416
Bamford St,RipleySK34Z11/07/20111AdultThorpe, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP789
Rose Av,ClowneSK57D08/08/20101AdultD. Hursthousevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COTL2
Duffield Rd, Allestree, DerbySK34K25/07/20101AdultP. Smithvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP64V
Hardhurst Rd, Alvaston, DerbySK33W20/07/20101AdultI. Gardlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COTDY
Hardhurst Rd, Alvaston, DerbySK33W10/07/20101AdultI. Gardlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COTC6
Backgarden of Whitegates, CodnorSK44E09/07/20101adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33514998
Whitegates, CodnorSK44E09/07/20101AdultThorpe, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COZFL
Briar Close,Newhall,SwadlincoteSK22V08/07/20101AdultK. Peachvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP5TD
Lancaster Ave,SandiacreSK43S21/06/20101AdultI.M. Vilesvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COZC0
Hardhurst Rd, Alvaston, DerbySK33W20/06/20101AdultI. Gardlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP5FM
Drayton Ave,Mackworth,DerbySK33D10/07/20091AdultW. Hurstvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP9YT
Drayton Ave,Mackworth,DerbySK33D23/06/20091AdultW. Hurstvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP4RC
Wheeldon Av,BelperSK34N22/06/20091AdultD. Evansvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP4QW
Lancaster Ave,SandiacreSK43S27/07/20081AdultI.M. Vilesvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COWLN
Melbourne, DerbyshireSK32X04/07/20081adultDavison, Tonyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC33419356
Spinney Hill,MelbourneSK32X04/07/20081AdultDavison, Tonyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP4BC
Drakelow NR,Burton on TrentSK22F08/09/20071AdultM.J. Williamsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COWH5
Briar Close,Newhall,SwadlincoteSK22V04/09/20071AdultK. Peachvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP44X
Wood Lane,Newhall,SwadlincoteSK22V10/08/20071AdultDave Budworthvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COSEB
Bristol Rd,IlkestonSK44R10/08/20071AdultS.L.P. Whiteleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COSEX
Bristol Rd,IlkestonSK44R01/08/20071AdultS.L.P. Whiteleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COWE4
Melbourne, DerbyshireSK32X22/07/20071adultDavison, Tonyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC33405306
Spinney Hill,MelbourneSK32X22/07/20071AdultDavison, Tonyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP3ZJ
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y03/09/20061AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34680090
Spinney Hill,MelbourneSK32X03/09/20061AdultDavison, Tonyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COW7S
Main St,Kings Newton,MelbourneSK32Y03/09/20061AdultSoar, Willvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP3KO
Melbourne, DerbyshireSK32X03/08/20061adultDavison, Tonyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC33534156
Midway Rd,Midway,SwadlincoteSK32A28/07/20061AdultM.J. Williamsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COW4Q
Midway Rd,Midway,SwadlincoteSK32A21/07/20061AdultM.J. Williamsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CORUT
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R17/07/20061AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CORTW
Midway Rd,Midway,SwadlincoteSK32A24/06/20061AdultM.J. Williamsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP31K
Briar Close,Newhall,SwadlincoteSK22V23/06/20061AdultK. Peachvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CORQ7
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y06/08/20041AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34680089
Main St,Kings Newton,MelbourneSK32Y06/08/20041AdultSoar, Willvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP2BD
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R03/08/20041AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP29K
Hasland (site not precise)SK36Z29/09/20021AdultJ. Culpinvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP1GY
Wilmot St, Sawley, Long EatonSK43R26/08/20001AdultA. Braddockvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COQZ9
Wilmot St, Sawley, Long EatonSK43R12/08/20001AdultA. Braddockvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COQZ6
Wilmot St, Sawley, Long EatonSK43R03/07/19981AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COZNO
Wilmot St, Sawley, Long EatonSK43R01/07/19981AdultA. Braddockvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COZNF
Wood Lane,Newhall,SwadlincoteSK22V22/07/19941AdultDave Budworthvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP13Y
Clay CrossSK36W27/08/19711AdultJ. Culpinvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP9UF

Anerastia lotella       Aglossa pinguinalis

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