
Community identification
Plaster Bagworm (Case-bearing Clothes Moth larva)
Phereoeca utericella
- Order & Family
- Lepidoptera: Tineidae
- Size
- 8mm to 12mm (length of the case)
Natural Habitat
Commonly found inside households, particularly on walls in humid climates like the southeastern United States.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on spider webs, wool, human hair, and silk, as well as dead insects and organic debris.
Behavior Patterns
The larva constructs a protective silk case covered in sand, dust, and lint; it can turn around inside the case to feed from either end.
Risks & Benefits
Primarily a household nuisance; they can cause minor damage to natural fabrics like wool or silk and are considered a pest.