Bug Identifier
Indian meal moth
Community identification

Indian meal moth

Plodia interpunctella

Order & Family
Lepidoptera: Pyralidae
Size
Wingspan of 16 to 20 mm; body length of 8 to 10 mm
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found worldwide in household pantries, grocery stores, and food processing facilities

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on stored grain products, dried fruits, nuts, seeds, chocolate, and dry pet food

Behavior Patterns

Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light; larvae spin silk webs over food sources as they feed

Risks & Benefits

Significant economic pest causing food spoilage and contamination, but poses no direct health risk to humans