Case-bearing Clothes Moth (Larva)

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in darkened areas such as closets, wardrobes, under furniture, or in carpets. Nests within fabrics, especially wool, fur, silk, and felt.

Diet & Feeding

The larvae feed on keratin-rich animal fibers including wool, hair, fur, feathers, and silk. They will also eat accumulated dust and pet hair found in corners or under furniture.

Behavior Patterns

The larva constructs a silken case around itself, which it camouflages with bits of fibers and debris from its environment. It drags this protective case along as it feeds. Unlike the webbing clothes moth, this species rarely spins webs on the fabric surface.

Risks & Benefits

They pose no direct physical risk to humans (they do not bite or sting) but are considered a significant household pest. Their feeding habits can cause permanent damage to expensive clothing, rugs, upholstery, and natural fiber textiles. They offer no significant ecosystem benefit in a home environment.

Identified on: 2/22/2026