Bug Identifier
Case-bearing Clothes Moth (Larva)
Community identification

Case-bearing Clothes Moth (Larva)

Tinea pellionella

Order & Family
Order Lepidoptera, Family Tineidae
Size
Larval case is typically 5mm to 10mm in length.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, particularly in darkened areas like closets, under furniture, or in storage bins containing natural fibers.

Diet & Feeding

Keratin-rich animal products including wool, fur, feathers, silk, hair, and occasionally leather or dried animal remains.

Behavior Patterns

The larva constructs a protective silken case incorporating debris and fibers. It carries this case while feeding and eventually pupates inside it. They are negatively phototactic, meaning they avoid light.

Risks & Benefits

Risk: They are significant household pests that cause damage to clothing, upholstery, and carpets. Benefit: In the wild, they act as recyclers by breaking down animal-based organic matter.