Bug Identifier
Pantry moth larva / Indian meal moth larva
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.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.