Indianmeal Moth vs Double-banded Scoliid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Indianmeal Moth Double-banded Scoliid
Scientific Name Plodia interpunctella Scolia bicincta
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Pyralidae Scoliidae
Size 16-20 mm wingspan 15-22 mm
Habitat Gardens Gardens
Diet Fruit Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Worldwide Eastern North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Indianmeal Moth

The most common stored-product moth pest, recognized by its two-toned wings with copper outer halves. Larvae spin silk webbing over food surfaces as they feed.

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Did You Know?

Its common name comes from a report of it feeding on cornmeal, or 'Indian meal,' not from any connection to India.

Double-banded Scoliid

A robust black wasp with two prominent yellow bands across the abdomen. It is a beneficial garden insect that parasitizes scarab beetle grubs in lawns.

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Did You Know?

Gardeners often mistake it for a dangerous wasp, but it is actually a beneficial predator of lawn-destroying grubs.