
Community identification
Indian meal moth larva
Plodia interpunctella
- Order & Family
- Lepidoptera: Pyralidae
- Size
- 12 to 13 mm long (mature larvae)
Natural Habitat
Stored food products, warehouses, and pantries
Diet & Feeding
Grains, cereals, dried fruits, nuts, and other dry pantry items
Behavior Patterns
Larvae spin silk webbing over food as they feed; they often leave the food source to pupate on walls or ceilings.
Risks & Benefits
Significant pantry pest causing food contamination; no direct health risk to humans but can cause substantial economic loss.