Bug Identifier
Indian meal moth (also known as pantry moth)
Community identification

Indian meal moth (also known as pantry moth)

Plodia interpunctella

Order & Family
Lepidoptera: Pyralidae
Size
Wingspan of 16–20 mm (5/8 to 3/4 inch); body length of 8–10 mm.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Worldwide distribution, specifically in kitchens, pantries, and food processing facilities near stored grains and cereals.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on dry stored foods including grains, cereals, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, chocolate, and dry pet food. Adults do not feed.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light; they fly in a zigzag pattern. Females lay 60-400 eggs directly on food sources. The life cycle varies from 30 to 300 days depending on temperature.

Risks & Benefits

Significant household and commercial pest that contaminates food with webbing, frass (excrement), and cocoons. They are not known to transmit diseases or cause physical harm to humans, but infested food must be discarded.