Indian meal moth

Natural Habitat

Commonly found in stored food products and pantries in homes, grocery stores, food processing plants, and warehouses worldwide.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae (caterpillars) feed on a wide variety of stored dry foods including grains, cereals, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, pet food, birdseed, spices, and chocolate. Adults do not feed.

Behavior Patterns

Adult moths are nocturnal and often fly in a zigzag pattern. Females lay eggs directly on or near food sources. Larvae spin silken webs as they feed, which can mat food particles together. Pupation often occurs in a crevice away from the food source. The entire life cycle can range from 27 to 305 days, depending on environmental conditions.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Considered a significant pantry pest, causing damage and contamination to stored food products. Infested food will have silk webbing, frass (excrement), and often live larvae or pupae. They can cause economic losses for food producers and consumers. Benefits: No notable direct benefits to humans or the ecosystem, primarily considered a pest.

Identified on: 11/3/2025