
Community identification
Plaster bagworm
Phereoeca uterella
- Order & Family
- Lepidoptera: Tineidae
- Size
- Larvae grow to about 10 to 13 mm in length within their case.
Natural Habitat
Found indoors on walls, ceilings, and under furniture, typically in warm and humid regions.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds on spider webs, dust, hair, shed human skin scales, and sometimes wool or silk fabrics.
Behavior Patterns
The larva constructs a flattened, greyish, case-like cocoon from silk and debris, carrying it everywhere as it moves slowly along walls.
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless to humans, though their cases can be unsightly on walls and heavy infestations may damage natural fibers like wool.