Bug Identifier
Indianmeal moth
Community identification

Indianmeal moth

Plodia interpunctella

Order & Family
Lepidoptera: Pyralidae
Size
Wingspan of 16-20 mm; body length of 8-10 mm
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Pantries, kitchens, and food processing facilities

Diet & Feeding

Larvae eat stored grain products, dried fruits, flour, and cereals; adults do not feed

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal; larvae spin silk webs in food sources; females lay hundreds of eggs directly on food

Risks & Benefits

Major domestic and commercial pantry pest; causes significant economic loss and food contamination; no direct physical risk to humans