Bug Identifier
Indian meal moth (larva)
Community identification

Indian meal moth (larva)

Plodia interpunctella

Order & Family
Lepidoptera, Pyralidae
Size
Mature larvae are about 12 mm (0.5 inch) in length
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Commonly found in pantries or warehouses where grains, flour, and dried fruit are stored

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on stored products like grain, cereals, birdseed, pet food, and chocolate

Behavior Patterns

Larvae spin silken webs throughout infested food sources and leave their food to find a wall or ceiling for pupation

Risks & Benefits

They are a significant pantry pest that can spoil large quantities of food with their webbing and waste