Bug Identifier
Indian meal moth (larva/pupa stage)
Community identification

Indian meal moth (larva/pupa stage)

Plodia interpunctella

Order & Family
Lepidoptera: Pyralidae
Size
Larvae grow to about 12 mm (0.5 in) long; pupal casings are similar in size.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Pantry areas, kitchens, food processing plants, and grain storage facilities.

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

Larvae spin silk webbing through food as they feed; they often crawl away from food sources to walls or ceilings to pupate in silk cocoons.

Risks & Benefits

Major pantry pest causing significant food spoilage through fecal contamination and webbing; no direct health risk to humans but often requires disposal of infested goods.