Case-bearing Clothes Moth Larva

Natural Habitat

Typically found indoors in closets, carpets, and areas where natural fabric, wool, fur, or felt items are stored. They prefer dark, undisturbed corners.

Diet & Feeding

They feed on keratin-rich animal fibers such as wool, fur, silk, feathers, felt, and human hair or lint found in dust.

Behavior Patterns

The larva constructs a silken case around its body which it carries with it as it moves (resembling a pumpkin seed or a piece of lint). It travels specifically to feed and will attach itself to a surface when ready to pupate.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Significant household pest that causes damage to clothing, rugs, upholstery, and taxidermy by eating holes in fabrics. Benefits: In nature, they help break down animal remains, though this benefit is negligible in a domestic setting.

Identified on: 2/22/2026