
Community identification
Webbing Clothes Moth
Tineola bisselliella
- Order & Family
- Lepidoptera: Tineidae
- Size
- Wingspan of 9 to 16 mm; body length typically 5 to 8 mm.
Natural Habitat
Indoor environments, particularly dark, undisturbed areas like closets, attics, and drawers; rarely found outdoors except in bird or mammal nests.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on animal-based fibers containing keratin, such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, and leather. Adults do not eat.
Behavior Patterns
Avoids light and prefers dark crevices. The larvae spin silken tunnels or patches while feeding. They undergo a complete metamorphosis with a life cycle lasting 65 to 90 days depending on temperature.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Major household pest that destroys clothing, carpets, and upholstery. Benefits: In nature, they help break down animal carcasses and debris through keratin consumption.