
Community identification
Clothing Moth Larva (Casemaking)
Tinea pellionella
- Order & Family
- Order: Lepidoptera, Family: Tineidae
- Size
- Larvae are roughly 6-10 mm in length.
Natural Habitat
Typically found indoors in dark, quiet areas like closets, drawers, or under furniture where natural fibers (wool, silk, fur) are stored.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds primarily on keratin-rich materials such as wool, fur, silk, feathers, felt, and sometimes pet hair or lint.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae construct a portable, silken case out of fibers from the material they are eating; they drag this case with them as they move and eventually pupate inside it.
Risks & Benefits
Considered a household pest; the larvae cause significant damage to clothing, carpets, and upholstery by chewing irregular holes.