Indian meal moth

Natural Habitat

Worldwide distribution, primarily found indoors in pantries, kitchens, and food storage facilities where grains are kept.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on stored grain products, including flour, cereals, pasta, rice, nuts, dried fruits, birdseed, and pet food.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light; they do not feed and live only to mate. Larvae spin silken webs throughout their food source as they feed.

Risks & Benefits

They are a significant pantry pest causing food spoilage and economic loss. While not poisonous or disease carriers, they contaminate food with webbing, frass (droppings), and cocoons.

Identified on: 4/10/2026