Indian Meal Moth (Larva/Pupa stages)

Natural Habitat

Stored food products such as grains, cereals, dried fruits, nuts, and pet foods; commonly found in pantries and commercial kitchens.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on a wide range of dry plant-based foods including flour, cornmeal, birdseed, chocolate, and spices.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae produce characteristic silken webbing as they feed, which binds food particles together. They often crawl away from the food source to pupate in crevices or at the ceiling-wall junction.

Risks & Benefits

Major household and economic pest that causes food spoilage through contamination with excrement and webbing; no direct health risk to humans, but can be difficult to eradicate once established.

Identified on: 1/4/2026