
Community identification
Case-making Clothes Moth (Larva)
Tinea pellionella
- Order & Family
- Lepidoptera: Tineidae
- Size
- Larvae are typically 6-10 mm in length.
Natural Habitat
Indoor environments, specifically within closets, drawers, and carpets where natural fibers are stored.
Diet & Feeding
Keratin-rich animal fibers including wool, silk, fur, feathers, and hair.
Behavior Patterns
The larva constructs a portable silken case incorporating debris and fibers, which it carries while feeding. They prefer dark, undisturbed areas and undergo complete metamorphosis.
Risks & Benefits
Significant pest of household textiles and stored clothing, causing physical damage through feeding holes. They pose no direct health risk to humans but can cause economic loss.