Case-bearing Clothes Moth (larva/case)

Natural Habitat

Typically found indoors in dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, under furniture, in carpets, or near stored fabrics like wool, fur, or felt.

Diet & Feeding

The larvae feed on keratin-rich natural fibers, including wool, silk, fur, feathers, hair, and sometimes blended synthetic fabrics if they contain sweat or food stains.

Behavior Patterns

The larva constructs a portable silken case that it carries around like a shell, often incorporating fibers from the material it is eating (camouflaging it). It feeds from either end of the case and eventually pupates inside it.

Risks & Benefits

They pose no direct health risk to humans (they do not bite or sting), but they are economically damaging pests that can destroy expensive clothing, carpets, tapestries, and taxidermy.

Identified on: 3/1/2026