Plaster Bagworm (or Household Casebearer)
Scientific Name: Phereoeca uterella
Order & Family: Order: Lepidoptera, Family: Tineidae
Size: Larval case is typically 8 to 13 mm (approx. 0.3 to 0.5 inches) long.
Natural Habitat
Typically found indoors in high humidity areas like bathrooms, closets, underneath furniture, and in garages. They thrive in tropical and subtropical climates.
Diet & Feeding
Detritivores; larvae feed on keratin-rich materials such as wool, hair, spider silk, dead insects, and lint.
Behavior Patterns
The larva constructs a protective case out of silk and available debris (sand, lint, soil) which resembles a pumpkin seed or cantaloupe seed. It drags this case around as it moves. They are often seen climbing walls.
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless to humans (they do not bite or sting). However, they can be minor household pests as they may damage natural fibers like wool rugs or clothing, though usually not as destructively as clothes moths.
Identified on: 2/19/2026