Bug Identifier
Household Casebearer (Plaster Bagworm larva)
Community identification

Household Casebearer (Plaster Bagworm larva)

Phereoeca uterella

Order & Family
Lepidoptera: Tineidae
Size
Case typically 8-14 mm in length; larva itself is smaller.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, found on walls, floors, and in closets, especially in humid or tropical climates.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on spider webs, woollen fabrics, silk, and human hair shed in the home.

Behavior Patterns

The larva constructs a protective spindle-shaped case from silk, sand, and dust. It can poke its head out from either end to move or feed.

Risks & Benefits

Cosmetic household pest; can occasionally damage silk or wool items. While they don't bite humans, their presence often indicates high indoor humidity or excessive dust/spider webs.