Indian meal moth larva

Typically found in pantries, kitchens, or food processing facilities where dried goods are stored.

Feeds on a wide variety of dried food products including flour, cereal, cornmeal, crackers, beans, chocolate, nuts, dried fruit, and pet food.

Larvae spin silken webs as they feed, which can contaminate food. They often crawl away from their food source to find a high point or crevice to pupate (the 'wandering' phase). Adults do not feed.

Major household pest. They contaminate food with their silk, waste (frass), and cast skins, leading to significant food waste. They do not sting, bite, or carry diseases.