Bug Identifier
Indianmeal Moth (Larva/Pupa Stage)
Community identification

Indianmeal Moth (Larva/Pupa Stage)

Plodia interpunctella

Order & Family
Lepidoptera: Pyralidae
Size
Mature larvae are approximately 12 mm (0.5 inches) long.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.