Bug Identifier
Indian meal moth (larva/pupa stage)
Community identification

Indian meal moth (larva/pupa stage)

Plodia interpunctella

Order & Family
Lepidoptera: Pyralidae
Size
10 to 12 mm (larvae); wingspan of 16 to 20 mm (adults)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Pantry and food storage areas where grains, nuts, dried fruits, and pet food are stored

Diet & Feeding

Stored dry goods including cereal, flour, rice, birdseed, chocolate, and dried pet food

Behavior Patterns

Larvae spin silk webbing in infested food; they often crawl away from their food source to pupate in crevices or on ceilings

Risks & Benefits

Major household pest that contaminates food with webbing and frass; generally harmless to human health if accidentally ingested, but can cause significant economic loss through food waste