Indian meal moth

Natural Habitat

Worldwide; commonly found in pantries, food storage facilities, and grocery stores where dried food products are stored.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on a wide range of dry foodstuffs including grain products, seeds, nuts, dried fruits, birdseed, and chocolate. Adults do not feed.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. Females can lay up to 400 eggs directly on or near a food source. Larvae produce silk webbing as they feed, which often contaminates the food source.

Risks & Benefits

They are major economic pests that contaminate stored human and pet food with silk, frass (waste), and cocoons. They do not pose a direct health risk (venom or disease transmission) but can cause significant food waste.

Identified on: 3/12/2026