Common Clothes Moth
Scientific Name: Tineola bisselliella
Order & Family: Lepidoptera: Tineidae
Size: 5 mm to 8 mm in length with a wingspan of approximately 12 mm to 15 mm.
Natural Habitat
Indoor environments, specifically dark areas such as closets, wardrobes, and storage bins. They are ubiquitous in residential buildings worldwide.
Diet & Feeding
The larvae feed on keratin-containing animal fibers such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, and leather. Adults do not eat.
Behavior Patterns
They are nocturnal and avoid light. The larvae create silken tunnels or mats while feeding. The life cycle varies from a few months to a year depending on temperature and food availability.
Risks & Benefits
They are a significant domestic pest, causing irreversible damage to clothing, upholstery, and carpets. They pose no direct health risk to humans but can create substantial economic loss.
Identified on: 5/14/2026