Indianmeal Moth vs Polyphemus Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Indianmeal Moth Polyphemus Moth
Scientific Name Plodia interpunctella Antheraea polyphemus
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Pyralidae Saturniidae
Size 16-20 mm wingspan Wingspan 100-150mm
Habitat Gardens Woodlands
Diet Fruit Feeders Herbivores
Regions Worldwide 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.

💡

Did You Know?

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

Polyphemus Moth

A large tan moth with prominent purple-ringed eyespots on its hindwings. It is named after the cyclops Polyphemus from Greek mythology.

💡

Did You Know?

A single caterpillar can eat 86000 times its weight in food in the two months before it pupates.