Case-bearing Clothes Moth Larva

Typically found indoors in dark, quiet areas such as closets, under carpets, in air ducts, or baseboards where natural fibers (wool, silk, fur) or lint accumulate.

Feeds on keratin-rich materials, including wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, pet hair, and lint. They may also eat plant-based materials or stored grains if heavily soiled.

The larva builds a flattened, portable, silken tube or 'case' around its body, which it drags along as it moves. It withdraws inside the case when disturbed. They avoid light and prefer high humidity.

Risks: Major household pest that causes economic damage by eating irregular holes in expensive clothing, carpets, tapestries, and taxidermy. Benefits: In nature, they help decompose animal matter (like old feathers or fur) and recycle keratin.