
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.
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.