| Indian meal moth | Indian meal moth | The most common moth found in foodstuffs is the Indian meal moth. This moth has a wingspan of about 1/2 to 3/4 inch. The tips or outer half of the wings are reddish-brown or “coppery”, while the basal parts are grayish-white. The larvae are usually off-white but can be pink, yellowish, greenish, or brownish. At maturity, the larvae are about 1/2 inch long. They spin a great deal of webbing on or near their food. When larvae are ready to pupate they will wander considerable distances in search of a site which is often on walls, countertops, and ceilings. The larvae will feed in cereal, grain products, dried fruit, dry pet food, candy, dried milk, and many other foodstuffs. |
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