Indian meal moth larva

Natural Habitat

Commonly found in residential pantries, kitchens, and commercial food storage areas.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on dry stored food products including flour, cereals, nuts, seeds, chocolate, dried fruit, and pet food.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae spin silken threads throughout their food source, creating messy webbing. They often wander away from the food source to pupate in cracks or corners.

Risks & Benefits

They are a significant pantry pest that ruins food through contamination with webbing and frass. They do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases to humans.

Identified on: 3/12/2026