Bug Identifier
Clothing Moth
Community identification

Clothing Moth

Tineola bisselliella

Order & Family
Lepidoptera, Tineidae
Size
5 to 8 mm in length; wingspan of 12 to 15 mm.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.