Indian meal moth (also known as pantry moth)
Scientific Name: Plodia interpunctella
Order & Family: Lepidoptera: Pyralidae
Size: Wingspan of 16–20 mm (5/8 to 3/4 inch); body length of 8–10 mm.
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.
Identified on: 2/16/2026