Bug Identifier
Likely Indianmeal moth (pantry moth)
Community identification

Likely Indianmeal moth (pantry moth)

Plodia interpunctella

Order & Family
Lepidoptera; Pyralidae
Size
Adult wingspan about 16–20 mm; body roughly 8–10 mm long.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Stored-food cupboards, pantries, warehouses, and other places containing dry food.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on grains, flour, nuts, dried fruit, seeds, and similar stored foods; adults generally do not feed.

Behavior Patterns

Adults fly mostly at dusk or night and lay eggs on food. Larvae produce silk webbing in infested foods before pupating, often away from the food source.

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to people, but larvae can contaminate and damage stored foods. No notable ecological benefit indoors.