Indian meal moth (larva)
Scientific Name: Plodia interpunctella
Order & Family: Order: Lepidoptera, Family: Pyralidae
Size: Larvae are roughly 1/2 inch (12 mm) long; adults have a wingspan of 5/8 to 3/4 inch (16 to 20 mm).
Natural Habitat
Worldwide in food storage areas such as pantries, kitchens, grocery stores, and food processing plants.
Diet & Feeding
Stored grain products, seeds, nuts, dried fruits, flour, cereal, chocolate, and dry pet food.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae spin silk webbing over food sources as they feed; they often crawl away from food sources to walls or ceilings to pupate in silk cocoons.
Risks & Benefits
Major household and commercial pest that causes significant food spoilage through contamination with silk and waste; harmless to humans and pets if accidentally ingested, but infestations require disposal of contaminated food.
Identified on: 1/12/2026