
Community identification
Household Casebearer (Plaster Bagworm)
Phereoeca uterella
- Order & Family
- Lepidoptera: Tineidae
- Size
- Larval case is approximately 8-13 mm (about 1/2 inch) long.
Natural Habitat
Typically found inside buildings, especially on walls or in corners, in humid climates.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on spider webs, wool, hair, and dropped natural fibers or detritus.
Behavior Patterns
The larva lives inside a silk-lined, flattened, spindle-shaped case covered in sand or dust. It can poke its head out from either end to move or feed.
Risks & Benefits
No health risk to humans. They are considered minor household pests as they can occasionally damage rugs or wool items, but they primarily help clean up organic debris.