Indian meal moth (larva)

Scientific Name: Plodia interpunctella

Order & Family: Order Lepidoptera, Family Pyralidae

Size: 10-12 mm in length for mature larvae (caterpillars)

Indian meal moth (larva)

Natural Habitat

Pantries, kitchen cupboards, and commercial food storage facilities worldwide

Diet & Feeding

Stored cereal products, flour, cornmeal, nuts, dried fruits, birdseed, and pet food

Behavior Patterns

Larvae spin silken webs throughout infested food sources; they often crawl away from food to walls or ceilings to pupate

Risks & Benefits

Major household and commercial pest that contaminates food with silk, frass, and cast skins; no direct health risk to humans but causes significant food waste

Identified on: 1/4/2026