Case-bearing clothes moth larva

Natural Habitat

Worldwide distribution; typically found indoors in dark, undisturbed areas like closets, under furniture, or rugs.

Diet & Feeding

Keratin-rich animal fibers including wool, silk, fur, feathers, and lint; also known to ingest synthetic fibers blended with natural ones.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae construct a portable silken case (often camouflaged with debris or food fibers) which they carry as they move and feed. They pupate within this case. Adults are small, buff-colored moths that prefer crawling to flying and do not feed.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include damage to personal property such as clothing, rugs, and upholstery. They have no significant benefits to human environments and are considered household pests.

Identified on: 3/13/2026