
Community identification
Household Casebearer
Phereoeca utericella
- Order & Family
- Lepidoptera: Tineidae
- Size
- Case length is typically 8-14 mm; larvae are smaller.
Natural Habitat
Indoors within residential or commercial buildings, often found on walls or under furniture.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on spider webs, wool, silk, hair, and other natural keratin-containing fibers.
Behavior Patterns
The larva constructs a protective silk case covered in sand or dust and drags it along as it moves. They undergo complete metamorphosis with a pupal stage spent inside the case.
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless to humans but can be a minor household pest as they may damage silk or wool fabrics.