
Community identification
Small moth fly (likely a tineid clothes moth)
Tineola bisselliella (probable; image alone cannot confirm species)
- Order & Family
- Lepidoptera; family Tineidae
- Size
- Adults are about 6–9 mm long, with a wingspan near 10–16 mm.
Natural Habitat
Indoors, especially closets, drawers, carpets, and stored textiles in dark, undisturbed areas. Larvae favor wool, fur, feathers, and other keratin-rich materials.
Diet & Feeding
Adults generally do not feed; larvae consume keratin-containing fibers and debris, including wool, hair, feathers, and shed skin.
Behavior Patterns
Adults are weak fliers and often run or flutter when disturbed. Larvae avoid light, produce silken cases or webbing, and can remain in fabrics for months.
Risks & Benefits
They do not bite or transmit disease, but larvae can damage clothing, rugs, and natural-fiber furnishings. They contribute modestly to decomposition of animal-derived fibers.