Casemaking Clothes Moth (Larva)
Scientific Name: Tinea pellionella
Order & Family: Lepidoptera, Tineidae
Size: Larvae are typically 6-11 mm long including the case.

Natural Habitat
Dark, undisturbed areas within homes such as closets, under heavy furniture, or inside storage trunks.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on animal-based fibers including wool, silk, fur, feathers, and hair.
Behavior Patterns
The larva constructs a portable silken case incorporating debris and fibers from its food source. It carries this case as it moves and feeds, eventually pupating within it.
Risks & Benefits
They are domestic pests that can cause significant damage to clothing, upholstery, and carpets. They pose no direct health risk to humans but can be a major economic nuisance.
Identified on: 1/8/2026