Bug Identifier
Household Casebearer or Plaster Bagworm
Community identification

Household Casebearer or Plaster Bagworm

Phereoeca uterella

Order & Family
Order: Lepidoptera, Family: Tineidae
Size
Larval case is typically 8-13 mm (approx. 0.3-0.5 inches) in length.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Commonly found indoors on walls, in corners, and closets, often in humid environments like Florida or tropical regions. They construct small, flattened, pumpkin-seed-shaped cases made of silk and debris.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on spider webs, old insect skins, wool, hair, and other keratin-containing fibers or organic debris commonly found in household dust.

Behavior Patterns

The larva drags its protective case around with it as it moves, capable of emerging from either end of the case. They eventually attach the case to a wall or surface to pupate into a small moth.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans (does not bite or sting). Considered a minor household pest because they can damage wool clothing or fabrics, though they are less destructive than standard clothes moths.