
Community identification
Clothing Moth Larva / Egg (Suspected)
Tineola bisselliella (Webbing Clothes Moth)
- Order & Family
- Lepidoptera: Tineidae
- Size
- Eggs are around 0.5 mm long; newly hatched larvae are 1-2 mm, growing up to 10 mm before pupation.
Natural Habitat
Indoors, particularly in dark, undisturbed areas like closets, drawers, carpets, upholstered furniture, and stored natural-fiber clothing.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on natural animal fibers containing keratin, such as wool, silk, feathers, fur, and leather, as well as lint and hair.
Behavior Patterns
Adult moths do not eat and are weak fliers that avoid light. Females lay tiny whitish eggs directly on suitable larval food sources. Larvae build silk cases or tubes to protect themselves while feeding.
Risks & Benefits
No health risks, bites, or disease transmission to humans or pets. However, the larvae are significant pest organisms that cause costly damage to natural fiber textiles, rugs, clothing, and taxidermy.