
Community identification
Indian meal moth (Larva)
Plodia interpunctella
- Order & Family
- Lepidoptera, Pyralidae
- Size
- Larvae reach about 12 mm (0.5 inches) before pupating
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