
Community identification
Plaster bagworm
Phereoeca uterella
- Order & Family
- Lepidoptera: Tineidae
- Size
- Larvae grow up to 10 millimeters inside their cases.
Natural Habitat
Indoor walls, ceilings, and under furniture in warm, humid climates.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds on spider webs, dust, hair, shed skin, and occasionally wool or cotton fabrics.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae construct a flattened, case-like cocoon from silk and debris, dragging it along surfaces as they move.
Risks & Benefits
Harmless to humans, though their cases cause cosmetic nuisance on walls and they can occasionally damage natural fibers.