Case-making Clothes Moth
Scientific Name: Tinea pellionella (or other species within the Tineidae family depending on specific morphology which is hard to discern from the image)
Order & Family: Order: Lepidoptera, Family: Tineidae (Tinea pellionella is a common species, but others exist within the family that make cases)
Size: Larvae: 10-15 mm (when mature, including case); Adults: 6-10 mm wingspan
Natural Habitat
Indoors, particularly in dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, attics, storage chests, and behind furniture. They infest textiles, carpets, upholstered furniture, and stored animal products.
Diet & Feeding
Mainly natural fibers such as wool, fur, feathers, hair, felt, and silk. They also feed on lint, dust, and sometimes synthetic fibers if mixed with natural fibers. They do not feed on food products.
Behavior Patterns
Case-making clothes moth larvae spin silken cases that they carry with them as they feed and move. They typically feed slowly, constructing their cases from fibers of the material they are consuming. Adults are poor fliers and prefer to crawl or hop. They are attracted to dark, undisturbed areas.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Significant pest of textiles and stored animal products, causing damage to clothing, carpets, and other items made of natural fibers. Benefits: No direct ecological benefits are associated with their indoor presence; they are primarily considered a nuisance pest.
Identified on: 9/2/2025