Bug Identifier
Indian Meal Moth (Larva/Pupa Case)
Community identification

Indian Meal Moth (Larva/Pupa Case)

Plodia interpunctella

Order & Family
Lepidoptera: Pyralidae
Size
8 to 12 mm long (larvae)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Pantries, kitchens, food storage facilities, and agricultural grain storage locations

Diet & Feeding

Stored dry food products including grains, cereals, dried fruits, nuts, seeds, flour, and pet food

Behavior Patterns

Larvae spin silk webs through infested food products as they feed, creating silken cocoons or pupal cases when preparing to transform into adult moths

Risks & Benefits

Major household and commercial pest that contaminates stored dry foods with silk webbing, frass, and shed skins; harmless directly to humans as they do not bite or sting