Case-bearing Clothes Moth

Natural Habitat

Indoors, in dark, undisturbed areas where natural fibers are stored, such as closets, attics, storage chests, and carpets. They prefer environments with high humidity.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae primarily feed on natural fibers such as wool, fur, silk, felt, and feathers. They can also feed on lint, dust, and synthetic fibers if mixed with natural ones.

Behavior Patterns

Case-bearing clothes moth larvae spin silken cases which they carry with them, adding to it as they grow. They move slowly within their cases and retract inside when disturbed. Adults are nocturnal, weak fliers, and are attracted to light.

Risks & Benefits

Risk: Significant pests of stored textiles, clothing, carpets, and museum specimens, causing damage through their feeding. No direct benefits to humans, but they are part of the decomposer community in natural settings.

Identified on: 8/27/2025