Casemaking Clothes Moth (Larva)

Natural Habitat

Found indoors within homes, warehouses, and museums where natural fibers are present; larvae typically hide in carpets, closets, and upholstery.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on keratins found in natural animal fibers such as wool, silk, hair, fur, feathers, and occasionally leather or dried biological specimens.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae construct a portable silken case incorporating fibers from their food source for camouflage. They stay inside this tube as they feed and eventually pupate within it. Adult moths are weak fliers and avoid light.

Risks & Benefits

They are a significant household pest that can cause extensive damage to clothing, rugs, and heirlooms. They provide no direct benefit to humans and are purely managed as pests in domestic environments.

Identified on: 12/31/2025