Bug Identifier
Indian meal moth (Larva)
Community identification

Indian meal moth (Larva)

Plodia interpunctella

Order & Family
Lepidoptera, Pyralidae
Size
Larvae reach about 12 mm (0.5 inches) before pupating
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Pantries, granaries, and warehouses where stored food is kept

Diet & Feeding

Stored food products including grains, cereal, dried fruit, nuts, chocolate, and pet food

Behavior Patterns

Larvae spin silk webbing in and over the food source; they move away from food to walls or ceilings to pupate

Risks & Benefits

Major pest of stored food; causes financial loss through food contamination; harmless to humans and pets if accidentally ingested but necessitates disposal of infested items