Painted Meal Moth
Common NamePainted Meal Moth
Scientific NamePyralis pictalis
FamilyPyralidae
SubfamilyPyralinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, cream, pale brown
HabitatHuman habitations, warehouses, mills, stored food areas, sometimes gardens
Geographic RangeCosmopolitan (worldwide)
Host Plantsstored grains, flour, dried fruits, nuts, spices, animal feed
Flight PeriodYear-round (indoors), warmer months (outdoors)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are cream-colored caterpillars that feed on a wide variety of stored dry vegetable products, often spinning silken tunnels. Pupation occurs in a cocoon, and multiple generations can occur per year, especially in warm indoor environments.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive forewing pattern of broad dark and light bands, particularly the dark median band and the pale subterminal band. Often found in proximity to stored food products.
Description
A small moth with forewings featuring a striking pattern of dark brown to black bands separated by creamy-white or pale brown, mottled areas, often with a distinct dark spot near the leading edge. The hindwings are typically paler and less patterned.
