Indian Meal Moth
Scientific Name: Plodia interpunctella
Order & Family: Lepidoptera: Pyralidae
Size: Adult wingspan: 16–20 mm; body length: 8–10 mm
Natural Habitat
Pantries, kitchens, and food storage facilities worldwide
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on stored grains, cereals, dried fruits, nuts, pet foods, and seeds
Behavior Patterns
Adults are nocturnal flyers attracted to light; females lay eggs directly on or near food sources where larvae spin silken webs as they feed
Risks & Benefits
Primary household pest that contaminates food with webbing and frass; however, they pose no direct health risk to humans or pets
Identified on: 5/16/2026