Indian meal moth
Scientific Name: Plodia interpunctella
Order & Family: Lepidoptera, Pyralidae
Size: Wingspan of 16-20 mm; body length of 8-10 mm.
Natural Habitat
Worldwide in human structures, particularly pantries, kitchens, and food processing facilities.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on stored products including grains, cereals, nuts, dried fruits, flour, and birdseed.
Behavior Patterns
Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light; larvae spin silk webs over food sources as they feed.
Risks & Benefits
Significant household and commercial pest that contaminates food with webbing and frass; however, they pose no direct health risk to humans.
Identified on: 6/6/2026