Clothing Moth Larva (specifically the case-bearing clothes moth)

Natural Habitat

Found indoors, especially in dark, undisturbed areas like closets, drawers, and under furniture where natural fibers are stored.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on keratin-rich materials such as wool, fur, silk, feathers, felt, and sometimes hair or pet dander found in dust.

Behavior Patterns

The larva builds and carries a silken case around its body for protection, which it camouflages with fibers from the material it is eating. It drags this case along as it moves.

Risks & Benefits

Major pest in households and museums; larvae cause significant damage to clothing, carpets, tapestries, and upholstered furniture. They do not bite or sting humans but are destructive to property.

Identified on: 2/18/2026