A to Z of Pests

Indian Meal Moth

Plodia interpunctella

Appearance

• Adult – 7–9mm in length, wingspan 15–20mm. First third of forewings are a pale buff colour. Remainder of the wings are reddish–brown.
• Larva – yellowish-white, reddish or greenish (depending on diet) with a brown head.

Lifecycle

• 35 days at 2°C. Much longer at lower temperatures or when feeding on low nutrition foods.

Habits

• Feeds on nuts, dried fruit and grain (maize).