Case-bearing Clothes Moth (Larva)
Scientific Name: Tinea pellionella
Order & Family: Lepidoptera: Tineidae
Size: 1 to 10 mm as a larva; 6 to 8 mm adult wingspan
Natural Habitat
Indoor environments, particularly in closets, drawers, or storage areas where natural fibers are kept.
Diet & Feeding
Keratin-rich animal products including wool, silk, fur, feathers, and lint containing natural fibers.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae construct and live inside a portable silken case incorporating debris. They carry this case with them while feeding and pupate inside it.
Risks & Benefits
No health risk to humans, but can cause significant economic damage by destroying expensive clothing, carpets, and upholstery.
Identified on: 1/10/2026