Common Clothes Moth
Scientific Name: Tineola bisselliella
Order & Family: Lepidoptera: Tineidae
Size: Adults have a wingspan of 12-16 mm; body length is approximately 6-8 mm.
Natural Habitat
Indoor environments, specifically dark areas like closets, attics, and basements where natural fibers are stored.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on natural animal fibers including wool, fur, silk, feathers, and leather. Adults do not eat.
Behavior Patterns
Photophobic (avoid light), weak fliers that prefer to crawl or hide in folds of fabric. High reproductive rate in warm, humid conditions.
Risks & Benefits
A major household pest that causes significant damage to clothing and upholstery; no known health risks to humans beyond property damage.
Identified on: 6/5/2026