Case-bearing Clothes Moth Larva

Natural Habitat

Typically found indoors in dark, quiet areas like closets, attics, under rugs, or in stored clothing drawers. They thrive in areas with natural fibers like wool, silk, or fur.

Diet & Feeding

The larvae feed on keratin-based animal fibers, including wool carpets, clothing, furs, felt, feathers, and occasionally detritus or cobwebs.

Behavior Patterns

The most distinctive behavior is that the larvae carry a protective silken 'case' (often camouflaged with fibers from the material they are eating) around with them as they feed. They never leave this case. They prefer dark, undisturbed locations and will move across surfaces dragging their case behind them.

Risks & Benefits

They pose no direct health risk to humans (they do not bite or carry disease) but are considered a significant household pest because they can cause extensive damage to expensive clothing, rugs, tapestries, and upholstery.

Identified on: 2/8/2026