Plaster Bagworm
Scientific Name: Phereoeca uterella
Order & Family: Lepidoptera: Tineidae
Size: Case length is 8-14 mm; larvae are smaller.

Natural Habitat
Found indoors on walls of houses, particularly in humid climates, as well as on tree trunks or in debris where silk can be found.
Diet & Feeding
The larvae feed on spider webs, wool, human hair, shed skin cells, and other silk-based materials.
Behavior Patterns
The larva constructs a protective spindle-shaped case from silk and covered with sand, soil, and insect droppings. It can crawl with its case and reach out from either end to feed.
Risks & Benefits
Potentially a minor household pest that can damage woolen fabrics or rugs, but generally harmless to humans. They are beneficial for cleaning up spider webs and organic debris.
Identified on: 2/4/2026