
Community identification
Webbing clothes moth
Tineola bisselliella
- Order & Family
- Lepidoptera: Tineidae
- Size
- Wingspan of 12-16 mm; body length of 6-8 mm.
Natural Habitat
Indoor environments, dark and undisturbed areas like closets, attics, and storage bins where natural fibers are kept.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on keratins found in natural fibers like wool, silk, fur, feathers, and leather. Adults do not eat.
Behavior Patterns
Avoid light and prefer dark crevices; larvae create silken tubes or mats while feeding. They undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult).
Risks & Benefits
Significant risk as a structural pest that damages clothing, carpets, and upholstery; no known benefits to humans or ecosystems in domestic settings.