Indian meal moth
Scientific Name: Plodia interpunctella
Order & Family: Lepidoptera: Pyralidae
Size: Adults have a wingspan of 16–20 mm; body length is roughly 8–10 mm.
Natural Habitat
Worldwide in human structures, particularly pantries, food processing plants, and grain storage facilities.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on stored grain products, seeds, nuts, dried fruit, chocolate, birdseed, and dry pet food.
Behavior Patterns
Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. Females lay hundreds of eggs directly on food sources. Larvae produce silk webbing as they feed, which often contaminates the food supply.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include significant economic damage to stored food and potential allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. They are considered a major household and commercial pest but pose no direct physical threat to humans.
Identified on: 6/29/2026