
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
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