Indian meal moth
Scientific Name: Plodia interpunctella
Order & Family: Order: Lepidoptera, Family: Pyralidae
Size: 8 mm to 10 mm in length with a wingspan of 16 mm to 20 mm
Natural Habitat
Commonly found in pantries, kitchens, and food processing facilities worldwide
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on stored grains, cereals, nuts, dried fruits, flour, and chocolate
Behavior Patterns
Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light; larvae spin silk webs over their food source as they feed
Risks & Benefits
Significant economic pest causing food spoilage; harmless to humans but larvae contaminate pantry goods with silk and droppings
Identified on: 6/19/2026