
Community identification
Case-bearing clothes moth (larva)
Tinea pellionella
- Order & Family
- Lepidoptera: Tineidae
- Size
- 8 mm to 10 mm in length (including the case)
Natural Habitat
Indoor environments, particularly in closets, drawers, or areas with stored animal-based textiles
Diet & Feeding
Keratin-rich materials such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, hair, and leather
Behavior Patterns
The larva builds a portable silken case incorporating fibers from its food source. It carries this case as it feeds and eventually pupates inside it.
Risks & Benefits
Risk: Significant pest that can cause extensive damage to clothing, carpets, and upholstery. No direct health risk to humans, but can be an economic nuisance.