Indian-meal Moth
The Indian-meal Moth is the most common pest of stored foods found in homes and grocery stores in the United States. It was given its common name by and early American entomologist who discovered the larvae feeding on cornmeal (Indian meal).
Description: Adults range in size from 5/8 - ¾ inch from wing tip to wing tip. Wings are pale gray with reddish brown tips. Mature larvae are usually about ½ inch long and dirty white in color.
Biology: Adult females lay up to 400 eggs on a food source. The larvae then feed on the food source. The length of this stage in development is generally determined by temperature and food availability. The life cycle (egg to egg) is typically 25-135 days, with up to 6 generations per year.
Habits: Although adult moths do not cause damage, the larvae produce webbing through the infested product. They infest grains and grain products, cereals, pasta, rice, bird seed, dry pet foods, flour, dried fruits, chocolate, crackers and nuts. |
