Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua

Landcare-Research -Manaaki Whenua

Indian meal moth larva

Plodia interpunctella (Hübner)


Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Pyralidae

Size range

  • Larva about 10–15 mm long

Distribution

  • Widespread overseas and New Zealand

Life History

  • Larvae and webbing are often found in foods that have been stored for long periods
  • One of several species of moth larvae which infest stored food products especially cereals, nuts, dried fruit
  • Adults are small to medium sized moths, wingspan 15–22 mm

Additional images