Case-bearing Clothes Moth

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in dark, undisturbed areas like closets, attics, under furniture, and in storage boxes where natural fibers are present.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae primarily feed on natural fibers such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, and lint. They can also feed on soiled fabrics, stored food products, and even synthetic blends if they contain some natural fibers.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae spin silken cases for protection, incorporating debris like lint, fabric fibers, or sand particles. They move slowly within their cases and mainly feed in dark, undisturbed areas. Adults are typically short-lived and do not feed.

Risks & Benefits

Risk: Significant pest of textiles, causing damage to clothing, carpets, upholstered furniture, and other items made of natural fibers. They do not bite or transmit diseases. Benefit: Minimal known benefits in a human-dominated environment, though they are part of the natural decomposition process in the wild.

Identified on: 9/4/2025