Indianmeal Moth

Scientific Name: Plodia interpunctella

Order & Family: Lepidoptera: Pyralidae

Size: Wingspan of 16-20 mm; length of 8-10 mm.

Stored food products in kitchens, pantries, and food processing facilities worldwide.

Larvae feed on grains, flours, dried fruits, nuts, cereals, spices, and pet foods.

Nocturnal adults fly in a zigzag pattern and lay eggs near food sources; larvae spin silken webs as they feed.

Pantry pest that causes food contamination and spoilage via webbing and frass; no direct health risk to humans but causes significant economic loss.

Identified on: 5/1/2026