
Community identification
Indianmeal Moth (Larva/Pupa Stage)
Plodia interpunctella
- Order & Family
- Lepidoptera: Pyralidae
- Size
- Mature larvae are approximately 12 mm (0.5 inches) long.
Natural Habitat
Commonly found in residential pantries, commercial food warehouses, and grain processing facilities.
Diet & Feeding
Stored food products including grains, cereal, dried fruit, nuts, seeds, chocolate, and pet food.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae spin distinctive silken webbing over food sources as they feed; they often crawl away from food sources to find cracks or crevices to pupate.
Risks & Benefits
Significant economic pest that ruins food through contamination with webbing, frass, and cocoons; poses no direct health bite/sting risk but can cause irritation if ingested.