
Community identification
Pantry moth larva / Indian meal moth larva
Plodia interpunctella
- Order & Family
- Order: Lepidoptera, Family: Pyralidae
- Size
- 12 to 13 mm (0.5 inch) in length for mature larvae.
Natural Habitat
Pantries, kitchens, food storage facilities, and warehouses containing dried food products.
Diet & Feeding
The larvae feed on various dry foodstuffs including flour, cereal, nuts, seeds, chocolate, and dried fruits.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae spin silk webbing through the food they infest; they often crawl away from the food source to pupate in wall crevices or ceiling corners.
Risks & Benefits
Primary risk is food contamination and spoilage of stored goods; they pose no direct physical harm to humans but are significant household pests.