
Community identification
Clothing Moth
Tineola bisselliella
- Order & Family
- Lepidoptera, Tineidae
- Size
- 5 to 8 mm in length; wingspan of 12 to 15 mm.
Natural Habitat
Indoor environments, particularly closets, drawers, and areas where natural fibers are stored.
Diet & Feeding
Lavae feed on keratin found in natural materials like wool, silk, fur, feathers, and leather.
Behavior Patterns
Avoids light (photophobic), tends to crawl rather than fly, and the destructive larvae spin silken tunnels or webs while feeding.
Risks & Benefits
Significant pest risk as they damage clothing and upholstery; no known benefits to humans or indoor ecosystems.