Indian meal moth (larva)

Natural Habitat

Commonly found in stored food products such as grains, flours, cereals, nuts, and pet food indoors.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on dry plant-based goods, including flour, pasta, rice, birdseed, dried fruit, and chocolate.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae spin silken webs as they feed, which often contaminates infested food. They typically crawl away from their food source to find a high crevice or corner to pupate.

Risks & Benefits

While they do not bite or spread disease, they are a major household pest that causes significant food waste through contamination by silk webbing and waste. They provide no significant benefit in a domestic environment.

Identified on: 3/16/2026