Which insect's larval stage is a caterpillar that will wander around a house and dangle from ceilings on its silk?

The Indian meal moth is known for its distinctive larval stage, which indeed appears as a caterpillar. These larvae are commonly found wandering around homes, especially in areas where food is present. They are particularly drawn to stored products, such as grains, cereals, nuts, and dried fruits. One of their notable behaviors is to create silken threads, which they use to dangle from ceilings or other surfaces. This behavior can often be observed as the larvae seek a suitable location to pupate, which can be disconcerting for homeowners.

In contrast, while the webbing clothes moth, saw-toothed grain beetle, and case-making clothes moth have their own specific characteristics and behaviors, their larvae do not exhibit the same wandering behavior or silk-dangling habits associated with the Indian meal moth. The webbing clothes moth larva, for instance, tends to stay hidden in fabric or textiles, and the saw-toothed grain beetle's larvae are less noticeable in their habitats. The case-making clothes moth larva constructs a protective case around itself and does not display the same wandering behavior. Understanding the behavior of these various larvae helps target pest management strategies effectively.