Household Casebearer (Case-bearing Clothes Moth larva)
Scientific Name: Phereoeca uterella
Order & Family: Order: Lepidoptera; Family: Tineidae
Size: The protective silk case usually measures 8mm to 12mm in length.
Natural Habitat
Typically found inside residential buildings on walls, floors, and under furniture where dust and lint accumulate.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae scavenge for organic debris including spider webs, wool, dead insects, hair, and various natural fibers.
Behavior Patterns
The larva constructs a flattened, spindle-shaped case from silk and camouflage debris. The larva can protrude its head from either end of the case to move and feed. It will eventually pupate inside this case.
Risks & Benefits
They are considered minor domestic pests as they can damage natural fiber textiles. They pose no direct health risk to humans but serve as an indicator of household dust and organic accumulation.
Identified on: 12/31/2025